Choose a pesticide with lower bee toxicity. Some products, like neonicotinoid insecticides, are highly toxic to bees. While our target insects are killed by the application rates on the specific use section of the product label, some nontarget insects may be sensitive to smaller quantities of the material.

Research shows insecticides like neonicotinoids and pyrethroids, which can be found in over-the-counter products, can negatively affect bees. However, these effects can be mitigated when pesticide sprays are timed to avoid key periods when bees pollinate crops, according to Washington State University.

In the Midwest Corn Belt, corn often covers 40 percent of the landscape or more. In partnership with the Honey Bee Health Coalition, the National Corn Growers Association identifies potential effects of agricultural practices on bees at each stage of production and recommends ways to mitigate those impacts.