She was carrying dandelion pollen. Her tongue was extended as she died. Not from age. Not from cold. From a herbicide applied to her only available food source. 🐝
The extended proboscis visible in this photograph is a documented indicator of pesticide poisoning in honeybees — not a natural death posture.
In April and May, dandelions, early wildflowers, and fruit tree blossom make up much of what is available to foraging bees before summer flowers open. A herbicide or systemic weedkiller applied to these plants during flowering can kill foraging workers before they return to the hive.
A few practical adjustments that make a difference:
Before treating any area of the garden, check whether flowers are open and accessible to insects. If they are, wait.
Bees begin foraging from around 8am on warm mornings. Avoid any pesticide or herbicide application during daylight hours when insects are active.
Leaving so-called weeds to flower until mid-June provides a food source that has no alternative for many early-season pollinators.
The dandelion she was carrying pollen from cost nothing to leave standing. 🌼
#NoPesticides #PollinatorProtection #BeeFriendlyGarden #NoMowMay