The effects of D.D.T. and of benzene hexachloride on bees

Laboratory and field experiments were carried out during 1946 to determine the effects of D.D.T. and of benzene hexachloride (B.H.C.)* on honey-bees and on several wild be species.
Laboratory experiments show that B.H.C. is a powerful contact and stomach poison and results of field experiments with commercial preparations confirm its danger to the foraging bee population. A few minutes' contact with treated surfaces is sufficient to cause death and blossom may remain poisonous for at least 3 days after treatment.
In the laboratory D.D.T. has a contact action at fairly high concentrations and as a stomach poison is rather more toxic than lead arsenate. In the field, commercial preparations on open blossom are apparently harmless to foraging bees.