Avoiding exposure to pollutants
Avoiding exposure to pollutants is crucial both for the well-being and survival of the hives and for the quality of the bee products.
The main sources of contamination are undoubtedly the phytosanitary treatments carried out in agriculture. This is why it is essential to know the area around the apiary in order to assess whether there are crops that are likely or certain to need treatment, evaluating whether the apiary should be set up there and if so, whether there are times when it needs to be relocated. The most dangerous active ingredients in terms of toxicity to bees are insecticide and acaricide treatments, but fungicide and herbicide treatments can also have a detrimental effect on the hives.
To avoid industrial pollution, the apiaries should not be installed near industrial plants, incinerators and landfills.
Pollution caused by busy roads appears to be less impactful on the quality of bee products than other forms of pollution and contamination. However, it is advisable not to place bees near such roads to avoid the risks of collision with vehicles that might lead to a high mortality of foraging bees. It would be advisable, in such cases, to provide hedges or obstacles to avoid direct collision of bees with high-speed vehicles on particularly busy roads such as freeways/highways.
One of the main sources of the contamination and intoxication occurring in the apiaries is the use of pesticides. It is always necessary to be aware of the pesticides used in the vicinity of the apiary and the times when treatments are carried out on crops.
Fungicides and herbicides can also dangerous for the bees (chronic poisoning).
Assessing the area around the apiary (also by means of ortophotos available on the internet) is important for evaluating possible sources of pollution.
Please note that the responsibility for the quality and healthiness of hive products lies with the beekeeper.
In case of apiaries where the bees might come into contact with pesticides, a regular communication about the pesticide and other treatments should be established between the beekeepers and the farmers. When needed, appropriate actions such as closing or moving hives should be taken. However, the optimal solution is avoiding the vicinity of conventional agriculture when setting up an apiary.
When abnormal mortality of the bees occurs, notify the official veterinary services of the local health authority.
Insecticide treatments carried out in residential, urban and peri-urban areas to control mosquitoes should also be considered. These treatments are linked to the local regulations.
It should be borne in mind that apartment blocks and private individuals also often use mosquito repellents.
Warnings: May depend on the regulations in force in the given country.
Please check out the B-THENET Platform for the Best Beekeeping Practices tailored to each country in the national language, co-developed with practicing beekeepers in the National B-THENET Centres of those countries (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden).
BEST PRACTICES AND INNOVATIONS FOR A SUSTAINABLE BEEKEEPING
Ongoing | 2022-2026
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden