How can bees be protected during pesticide applications?

The choice indicating that pesticides should be applied in the evening when bees are less active and avoiding flowering plants reflects best practices for protecting bee populations during pesticide applications. Bees are typically more active during the day, especially when temperatures are warm, making them susceptible to pesticide exposure during these times. By choosing to apply pesticides in the evening, when bee activity is significantly reduced, the likelihood of bees coming into contact with the chemicals decreases, thereby minimizing harm to these important pollinators.

Additionally, avoiding flowering plants during pesticide application is critical because flowers attract bees, which may inadvertently lead them to ingest or come into contact with the pesticides. Taking this precaution helps ensure that the areas where bees forage remain safe and that their populations can thrive despite the necessary application of pesticides in the surrounding areas.

The other choices do not adequately address the timing and environmental context needed to protect bees effectively. For instance, applying pesticides during peak bee activity times, such as the morning or day, increases the risk of exposure, while opting for only organic pesticides does not guarantee safety for bees if they are not applied responsibly. Therefore, the selected choice provides a comprehensive strategy for minimizing risk to bee populations.