Which statement is true about protecting bees from pesticide injury?

Applying pesticides in the evening or during early morning is indeed the recommended practice for protecting bees from pesticide injury. During these times, bee activity is typically lower, as most bees are not foraging outside of their hives. This reduced activity means that there is less risk of the bees coming into contact with pesticides during application, which helps to minimize potential harm to the bee populations.

Timing applications to align with periods when bees are less active is crucial for ensuring their safety. This practice acknowledges the natural behaviors of bees, particularly their foraging patterns, which generally occur during daylight hours when flowers are open and accessible.

Other options suggest practices that could potentially increase the risk of bee exposure to harmful pesticides. For example, aerial applications often cover a broader area and do not consider the proximity of bees to treated crops, while spraying during bloom can endanger bees that are pollinating those flowers. Additionally, wettable powders, while useful in some contexts, do not inherently safeguard bees and may still pose a risk depending on their formulation and timing of application.