Analysis of Honeybees for Pesticide Residue

Table of Contents

• Where to Have Honeybees Analyzed
• Who to Contact
• How to Submit Honeybees for Testing
• What to Test For
  
  

Where to have Honeybees Analyzed

Laboratory Services Division
University of Guelph
95 Stone Road West
Guelph, ON
N1H 8J7

Laboratory Services Division will carry out analysis of honeybees for pesticide residue.

Who to Contact

Contact Linda Lissemore at 519-767-6218(llissemo@lsd.uoguelph.ca), Mary-Anne Denomme at 519-767-6208 (mdenomme@lsd.uoguelph.ca) or Perry Martos at 519-767-6209 (pmartos@lsd.uoguelph.ca) at the lab to let them know that the samples are coming and to discuss the particulars of having the samples tested.

How to Submit Honeybees for Testing

Honeybee samples can be sent by courier if they are fresh and sent immediately.

Samples of bees should be submitted in a clean glass jar, such as a small mason jar. Please ensure that a piece of tin foil is placed between the mouth of the glass jar and the lid. (Approximately one half cup of bees would be a reasonable sample size.)

If possible, the bees should be sent/delivered to the lab immediately. In this case they would not need to be frozen. If they are not going to be shipped or delivered for a few days, then it is a good idea to freeze them and ship frozen.

What to Test For

There are a number of analytical options available. Two common requests which we receive in the event of a bee kill include:

1. A general screen for organophosphate and carbamate insecticides. Typical cost for this screen is $325.00 (for a single sample submission).
2. Analysis of carbaryl and/or carbofuran. Typical cost for this analysis is $225.00 (for a single sample submission).

Of course the lab is able to provide other analysis, and would be happy to provide a quotes on request.