Did you know that over 400 species of wild bees live in New York State, and honey bees are just one species? Many of these other bees, not just honey bees, provide critical pollination services. This module offers a general introduction to pollination and society’s need for resilient pollination services, particularly in light of threats to honey bee health. It also introduces the general characteristics of wild bees and specifically highlights a few of the most interesting and useful wild bee species. The presentation outlines the multiple threats facing our bees, discusses the specific risks posed by insecticide and fungicide exposure, and how pesticides can interact with other stressors that bees face. Mitigation strategies to minimize harm to bees, taking into account their biology, habits, and points of vulnerability, are presented.
Students completing this module will be able to:
- Describe the number and variety of bee species, and some important ways that their diversity assists pollination and biodiversity.
- Describe the multiple threats and pressures on wild bee populations, and how pesticides fit into that bigger picture.
- Explain the lethal and sublethal effects of insecticides and fungicides on wild bees.
- Name several immediate action-able strategies for minimizing pesticide exposure, and how to find more specific recommendations.
Successful completion of this module will earn you 0.75 recertification credit for New York State certified pesticide applicators in categories 1A, 3A, 3B, 9, 10, 21, 22, 23, and 25.
- If you are certified in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or West Viginia, check the appropriate state-specific credit information page under the "Store Menu" to confirm approval and recertification credit values.
- Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont have approved all DLC courses and awards the same credits as New York.
