Before you apply any pesticide, make sure you have carefully read the label. Some pesticide labels have a special statement in the "Environmental Hazards" section about whether it is toxic to honey bees. If there is such a statement, as a pesticide applicator you are required by rule IAC 21-45.31(206) to notify all beekeepers within a 2-mile radius of the site of application.

To determine the locations of beehives, you must contact the County Farm Service Agency office to obtain all registered beehive locations. You will be given the names and addresses of the beekeepers who have registered hives in the area. The beekeeper registry also may be accessed at the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship's website or by contacting Bob Cox, the state apiarist, at 515-281-5736.

You must notify beekeepers not less than 24 hours and not more than 72 hours prior to the time of an application of pesticide labeled as toxic to bees. Following this rule is important in preventing unnecessary bee kills.