As Oregonians start working in their yards and gardens, they may choose to use pesticides, but highly publicized bee deaths last year have changed the conversation and advice given by agencies like the Oregon Department of Agriculture.  They are asking people not to apply pesticides to plants that are in bloom because bees will be visiting them.  Rose Kachadoorian of ODA’s Pesticides Program is not discouraging homeowners from using pesticides, but she wants them to be aware of pollinators.   She adds the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is also responding with specific information on certain pesticide products.  A bee icon on the label informs the homeowner of those products that are a potential hazard to pollinators.   The label language on those specific products also prohibits use when bees are foraging and plants are in bloom.