A beekeeper in northern Ontario is urging Canadians to refrain from using insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides on their properties when pollinators are active and during windy conditions. Dawn Lalonde, the owner of Mikkola Family Farm & Apiary in Lively, Ont., experienced significant losses at her apiary this summer, with initial testing revealing the presence of pesticides and fungicides in bee and pollen samples.
Lalonde, who chose a location away from agricultural land to minimize chemical exposure for her bees, expressed her concerns in a press release on Sept. 9. She described the heartbreaking scene of finding over a million dead bees in her bee yard and witnessing the struggles of surviving bees to collect pollen.
The devastating impact on Lalonde’s operation resulted in a revenue loss exceeding $50,000. To support her rebuilding efforts, a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $10,000. Lalonde emphasized the need for responsible chemical use, highlighting the risks posed by cosmetic lawn treatments and mosquito control measures in urban and rural areas.
Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks initiated an investigation following Lalonde’s report. The ministry is examining potential pesticide applications in the vicinity of the bee kill incident on June 14, 2024. Meanwhile, Ian Grant, president of the Ontario Beekeepers Association, underscored the broader challenges faced by beekeepers, including the ongoing threat of varroa mites and the importance of collaboration between beekeepers and farmers.
Grant emphasized the significance of educating the public on the judicious use of chemicals to protect pollinators and advocated for caution when applying products on golf courses and residential properties. He stressed the difficulty beekeepers face in finding suitable locations for their hives within the bees’ extensive flying radius.
As concerns about the widespread impact of chemicals on the environment persist, Lalonde and Grant continue their efforts to raise awareness and promote bee-friendly practices to safeguard pollinators and preserve bee populations.
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