How are bees typically exposed to pesticides?

Bees are typically exposed to pesticides primarily through direct contact and the consumption of contaminated pollen or nectar. When pesticides are applied to crops, they can remain on the plants or within their flowers, making the pollen and nectar potential sources of exposure for foraging bees. As bees collect food resources from these treated plants, they inadvertently ingest the chemicals along with the nutrients, which can lead to harmful effects.

This mode of exposure is particularly concerning because it can affect not only individual bees but also entire colonies. When bees bring back contaminated food to the hive, it can expose other bees and lead to more widespread issues within the colony. Additionally, since many bees prefer certain flowers, they may revisit treated plants multiple times, increasing the dose of pesticide they receive.

While bees can also come into contact with pesticides by entering treated fields or through water sources contaminated by runoff, these routes are less direct compared to the consumption of pollen or nectar. Thus, understanding the primary method of pesticide exposure is crucial for implementing better practices and mitigating risks to bee populations.