š¼ Protecting Pollinators: Our Commitment to Bee-Safe Practices
- DC Mosquito Defense
- 13 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Honey bees are indispensable to our ecosystems and agriculture, playing a crucial role in pollinating a vast array of crops. Recognizing their importance, we are dedicated to implementing practices that safeguard these vital pollinators, aligning with the guidelines set forth by the University of Georgiaās Bee Program (bees.caes.uga.edu).
šĀ Our Bee-Friendly Practices
1. Avoid Spraying Blooms
We take great care to avoid applying pesticides to blooming plants where bees forage. Since bees are naturally attracted to flowers, spraying during bloom periods can result in direct exposure and pose significant risks to their health. Our approach follows best practices to minimize bee exposure to pesticides. Additionally, because bees do not typically land on the barrier areas we treatāareas that are not part of their natural foraging habitatāthe risk to them is further reduced.
2. Time Applications When Bees Are Inactive
Understanding that bees forage during twilight light hours, we schedule pesticide applications midday. This timing ensures that bees are generally out of the area, minimizing the chance of exposure.
3. Utilize Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC)
Our choice of pesticide formulations is deliberate. We opt for emulsifiable concentrates, which dry quickly and leave minimal residue. This reduces the likelihood of bees coming into contact with harmful residues during their foraging activities. Studies have shown that EC formulations are less likely to adhere to bees compared to dusts or wettable powders.
4. Employ Botanical and Natural Treatments
Whenever possible, we use botanical ER-3 treatments or all-natural garlic essential oil mixtures. These alternatives are less toxic to bees and degrade rapidly, further reducing potential harm. While some botanical insecticides can have effects on bees, certain essential oils, like garlic, have been found to be generally safe for honey bees.
5. Implement Targeted Mosquito Control with In2CareĀ®
To address mosquito populations without affecting non-target insects like bees, we utilize the In2CareĀ® system. This method specifically targets mosquitoes, ensuring that our pollinators remain unharmed. Field evaluations have demonstrated the effectiveness of In2CareĀ® stations in reducing mosquito populations while minimizing risks to bees.
We participate in BeeCheckĀ®
BeeCheckĀ® is a voluntary registry that connects beekeepers and pesticide applicators in the District. It uses advanced mapping tools to identify the locations of registered beehives. This allows commercial applicators like us to take extra precautions when treating areas near sensitive sites, helping to prevent pesticide drift and minimize risk to pollinators. Weāre proud to partner with the Department of Energy & Environment Pesticides Branch through our participation in BeeCheckĀ®.
šæĀ Our Ongoing Commitment
Protecting pollinators is not just a practiceāitās a principle we uphold. By carefully targeting where and when we treat, we help protect the bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators that support your gardens, neighborhood green spaces, and local ecosystems.
By integrating these bee-safe methods into our operations, we contribute to the health and sustainability of our environment. We encourage others to adopt similar practices, fostering a community dedicated to the preservation of our essential pollinators. Our approach gives you the peace of mind that your mosquito treatments are designed to safeguard the pollinators you valueāso you can enjoy a more comfortable outdoor space without sacrificing the health of your garden or the environment.
For more information on protecting pollinators and implementing bee-friendly practices, visit the University of Georgiaās Bee Program: Protecting Pollinators from Pesticides.
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