DE and Honey Bees

[sweetshoplady]

I know that DE is toxic for honey bees. However, I also know that DE is toxic to ants and fleas and a variety of other pests. If I am careful in its use and only put it, say on ant hills, dust the dogs with it, and put it places where the bees aren't and don't go would it be safe and not harm the bees.

They are not my bees, but a man who keeps them here in exchange for honey and mowing my place (great deal as far as I'm concerned). And I don't want to hurt them.

But if it will kill ants I want to use it. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Reinbeau]

As long as you're not sprinkling it on flowers or the hive itself DE won't hurt the honeybees. Wind drift may be an issue, be careful when using it around either the hive or your garden.

 

[sweetshoplady]

Great! Thanks!

 

[d.k]

* If he's mowing your lawn though, I don't know, but couldn't he transfer the de to the beehive via his clothes?? Or, have I been watching too much CSI ???

 

[Reinbeau]

I don't think it would be a huge issue, especially if you're using the food grade DE, which is what I use on my chickens.