Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

When spraying near bee colonies, who is responsible for keeping the bees away?

1. The applicator only

2. The bee colony owner or the applicator

3. Bee owners alone

4. The local pest control service

The correct answer is: The bee colony owner or the applicator

In situations where spraying is necessary near bee colonies, the responsibility for keeping the bees away is shared between the bee colony owner and the applicator. This cooperation is crucial because both parties have a vested interest in protecting the bees. The applicator should be aware of nearby bee colonies and take appropriate measures to minimize exposure to the bees, such as timing the application when bees are less active. On the other hand, the bee colony owner has the responsibility to inform the applicator about the presence of bees and may need to take steps to safeguard their colonies during pesticide applications, such as moving the hives or ensuring bees are not foraging in the treated area. This collaborative approach helps prevent harmful exposure to bees while also ensuring that the applicator can do their job effectively without risking the health of the pollinator populations. The involvement of both the applicator and the bee colony owner reflects the shared duty to protect these vital insects while managing pest control operations safely.