AFTER potentially millions of bees were killed along the Macquarie River at Gin Gin, farmers have been reminded to take care with pesticides.
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The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) director of North Branch Gary Davey said officers conducted inspections of the hive sites after local beekeepers notified the EPA of the bee deaths.
“The investigations are still underway but our initial enquiries indicate that the bees may have died as a result of pesticide use.
"The EPA is reviewing pesticide use records in the area and has sent samples from the hives to its forensic laboratories for analysis.
“The hive sites are located on properties along the Macquarie River, and it is understood that spraying may have taken place in the area prior to the deaths of the bees.
"An estimated 209 hives were affected with up to 90 per cent mortality in many hives. A typical beehive may contain 30–50,000 bees or more."
Mr Davey said it is a timely reminder to both landholders and bee keepers to take more care with pesticides.
“The misuse or mishandling of these chemicals can pose a real danger to the community and to the environment.
“Apiarists (also) have a responsibility to communicate with landholders and let them know specifically when and where they are going to put the hives.”
Landholders should carefully check the weather conditions prior to and during spraying and should make to sure to carefully read instructions when using pesticides, “as it is a legal requirement to follow all directions”, he said.
Anyone who has a concern about pesticide misuse is advised to contact the Environment Line on 131 555 immediately.
