Should you spray your crops with pesticide to kill aphids?

Even organic pesticides are potentially harmful to beneficial pollinators such as honeybees.

Some aphid infestations can be controlled by simply aiming a jet of water at the infested plant, and this should be tried first.

If the damage caused by aphids is severe enough to warrant the risk of insecticide use, these recommendations should help minimize the harm to pollinators:

1. Apply during early morning or late evening hours, when bees are least active
2. Avoid application while flowers are in full bloom
3. Always follow the instructions and precautions on the insecticide label
4. If you're spraying a large area, notify any beekeepers in the vicinity so they can temporarily confine or move their bees