Protecting Pollinators While Controlling Pests

Is There a Way to Protect Bees and More from Pesticides?

Pollinators are an essential ecological component of all terrestrial ecosystems. We rely on pollination for our agricultural system to produce fruit and vegetable crops, as well as to aid in the reproduction of many types of flowering plants. 

When looking into pest control options, it’s imperative to reduce the impact on pollinators to avoid further decline in their populations as they play a vital role in sustaining our environment.

Most people think of honey bees as the only pollinators. Yet, many more creatures help pollinate crops and wildflowers, including wild bees, ants, beetles, wasps, hummingbirds, lizards, flies, birds, bats, and butterflies. 

The decline in pollinator health is of great concern to every member of the population: without them, crops couldn’t grow, and our food supply would be devastated. The future of our planet depends on their survival.

At Mosquito Authority, we recognize the great importance of pollination and pollinators in our ecosystem, so we are determined to protect these valuable members of our ecological community.

Preventing Pollinator Decline

Mosquito Authority understands our customers’ needs to have pests removed from their property. It’s our top priority to keep you and your family safe from pests, but it’s also our responsibility to use pesticides in a safe and conscientious manner.

Colony Collapse Disorder was first identified in 2006, but unfortunately, there are other possible causes of decline. Pollinators can be affected by pests, pathogens, viruses, poor nutrition, pesticide exposure, bee management practices, and lack of genetic diversity.

Several organizations have been established to provide valuable information on proper pesticide handling and use. The Pesticide Environmental Stewardship (PES) encourages safe pesticide use with a variety of resources for crop producers, pesticide dealers, applicators, and the general public.

Some tips for utilizing pesticides to avoid impact on pollinators include:

• Applying pesticides in the evening
• Avoiding spraying flowers directly
• Applying pesticides as close to the target pest as possible
• Avoiding treating water sources
• Choosing an appropriate formulation
• Choosing appropriate native plants that require less maintenance and pesticide use
• Utilizing less toxic, rapidly degradable pesticides
• Altering application method (follow label directions, use granules instead of liquids)
• Researching Extended Residual Activity(ERT or RT) to determine the amount of time pesticide residue may affect pollinators
• Establishing apiaries in safe locations