Watch for changes on pesticide labels that contain pollinator-protection language.

Language to protect pollinators has always been on the label, but now the verbiage specifically prohibits foliar applications while bees or flowers are present, or until all petals have fallen off. Presence of all blooming plants, including weeds such as clover and Spanish needle, must be evaluated before treating with certain pesticides.

The EPA has mandated label changes to neonicotinoid products with the active ingredients imidacloprid, dinotefuron, clothianidin or thiamethoxam.  Some brands that contain these chemicals include Safari, Arena, Flagship, Merit and many Bayer products such as Tree and Shrub, Complete Insect Killer, and Fruit, Citrus and Vegetable Insect Control.

The new language, located on the label's “Directions for Use” section,  is accompanied by the bee icon. Additionally, there will be an advisory bee box placed in the “Environmental Hazard” section.

For pollinators, acute toxicity from pesticides can result from direct contact, exposure to residues on foliage and/or flowers, or from consumption of the pesticide in nectar or pollen.

Not all insecticides have the same effects when prepared in different formulations.

Microencapsulated insecticides tend to be more toxic to honey bees than other formulations.

Granular formulations are dissolved and activated during rain or irrigation, when bees are less active, and are distributed directly into the soil.   

Systemic insecticides can be delivered in any formulation, and they warrant additional consideration. The plant absorbs the active ingredient, which may be translocated to nectar, pollen and vascular fluids, thus being available to foraging bees.

Whenever possible, the use of contact insecticides in less toxic formulations can reduce potential harm to bees.

The goal in using a pesticide is to achieve maximum benefit with minimum negative impact. The new pollinator-protection language will outline how best to do that. 

Remember, the label is the law, but protecting bees is critical to our food production.

DID YOU KNOW?

•Honey bees are Florida's most important pollinator; at least 13 major crops depend on them for fruit production. 

•More than 315 other species of bees in Florida also play a role in pollination of agricultural crops and landscape plants.

•More than 3,000 registered beekeepers are in Florida as of 2014.

•Florida law requires each apiary or bee yard to be clearly marked with the owner’s name, address and telephone number.

•For crops under contracted pollination service, if a pesticide application must be made when managed bees are at the treatment site, the beekeeper must be notified no less than 48 hours prior to the time of the planned application so that the bees can be relocated and protected.

•For food crops and landscapes not under contract for pollination services that are attractive to pollinators, the required conditions include compliance with at least one of the following: application after sunset, when temperatures are below 55 degrees Fahrenheit, in accordance with a government-initiated public health response; after notifying area beekeepers on the apiary registry; or as part of a documented IPM plan that addresses an imminent threat of significant crop loss.

Sheila Dunning is an agent at the University of Florida's Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Pesticide labels help protect bees

Are you thinking of investing in municipal bonds?

If so, you may have good reason, particularly if you are in one of the higher tax brackets. After all, municipal bond interest payments typically are exempt from federal income taxes, and possibly state and local income taxes — although some “munis” are subject to the alternative minimum tax.

However, since not all municipal bonds are the same, you’ll want to know the differences — especially in terms of risk.

Municipal bonds, like corporate bonds, essentially face two types of risk: interest rate risk and default risk. Interest rate risk becomes clear when market interest rates rise, causing the value of your existing municipal bonds to fall. No one will pay you full price for your bonds when newly issued bonds carry a higher rate — so if you plan on selling bonds before they mature, you risk losing principal. You can largely ignore this type of risk simply by holding your bonds until maturity, at which point you will receive the face value back, provided the issuer doesn’t default.

And that brings us to the second type of risk: default risk. Historically, municipal bond default rates have been much lower than those of corporate bonds, particularly lower-quality bonds. But different types of municipal bonds carry different levels of default risk. Here’s a quick look at the two main categories of municipals and their risk characteristics:

• General obligation bonds: General obligation bonds generally finance projects of a municipality. A general obligation bond issuer is required to do everything in its power, including raising new taxes, to ensure that interest payments are paid on time and in full. This requirement helps support the creditworthiness of general obligation bonds.

• Revenue bonds: Revenue bonds, which finance schools, hospitals, utilities, airports, affordable housing and other public works, are paid by dedicated streams of revenue.

For example, revenues generated by the sewer system pay the interest on a sewer system revenue bond. Because revenue bonds have more restricted revenue streams than general obligation bonds, they are generally viewed to be riskier. To compensate for the added risk, revenue bonds usually pay a higher rate of interest than general obligation bonds.

When studying revenue bonds' risk factors, you also have to consider the type of revenue bond involved. For example, some sectors, such as housing and health care, may be more volatile, as are some industrial revenue bonds. (These bonds — generally used to support a specific project, such as a new manufacturing facility — are sponsored by a government entity, but proceeds go to a private, for-profit business.)

Of course, when evaluating the risk potential of municipal bonds, you don’t have to rely on guesswork. Major bond rating agencies — Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch — review municipal bonds to determine their creditworthiness. There are no guarantees, but by sticking with “investment grade" bonds, you can help reduce the risk of owning a bond that goes into default.

Municipal bonds can be valuable additions to your portfolio. Besides providing income that’s free of federal taxes, these bonds offer a chance to help support valuable projects in your community. But, as we’ve seen, different “munis” have certain risk factors — so ensure you know exactly what type of bond you’re purchasing before you write the check.

Joe Faulk is a Crestview financial adviser.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: FINANCIAL FOCUS: Watch for different risk levels of 'muni' bonds