STRATEGIES TO TEMPORARILY REPEL HONEY BEES FROM PESTICIDE-TREATED AREAS

The exposure of forager honey bees, Apis mellifera, to pesticides during the treatment period or shortly after can result in instant death or direct impairment of their behaviors. Beekeepers are often faced with limited choices when pesticides are applied near their colonies. One proposed method is the use of repellent materials shortly before pesticide spraying or synchronizing the application time. This article aims to highlight key trends that can be employed to temporarily repel honey bees and emphasizes areas where further studies are needed. The significance of this article lies in the destructive impact of pesticides on honey bees, which are crucial global plant pollinators. The decline of honey bee colonies due to pesticide exposure is a growing concern. The article specifically identifies five strategies that can be employed to repel honey bees: 1) plant-based materials, 2) chemicals, 3) simulation, 4) technology-based repellents, and 5) physical barriers. However, some strategies have been overlooked in previous studies, leading to noticeable gaps in knowledge that should be addressed in further research. The article also presents some perspectives on the beneficial utilization of these specified strategies, paving the way for more innovative methods to mitigate the negative effects of pesticides on honey bees.