What’s the Buzz: 3 Easy Ways to Protect the Pollinators
National Pollinator Week is June 19-25, 2023, and, in honor of that, we are celebrating nature’s unsung heroes! From bees to butterflies to birds, these often-overlooked workers are a crucial part of our ecosystem.
Did you know that nearly ¾ of the world’s flowering plants and more than 30% of the food we eat depend on pollinators?
Without pollinators, the impact on our environment would be detrimental. Luckily, there are things each of us can do to ensure these irreplaceable teammates thrive.
1. Opt for Low or No Pesticides
Whether you are trying to suppress weeds, treat plant diseases or eliminate pests, the desperate need for a quick solution will lead most people to apply pesticides around their home and gardens. While these can be effective in removing the pests, the harmful chemicals can spread beyond the application point and can have adverse effects on other critters who come in contact with the treated area.
It is recommended that you practice Integrated Pest Management at home by following these few simple tips.
If you’re able, remove pest habitats and bury infested plant residue.
Look for alternative options, such as beneficial insects, pest removal with traps before turning to chemical pesticides.
Plant native flowering plants that favor pollinators and are naturally pest resistant.
Search for DIY homemade pesticide recipes.
If you must resort to using a pesticide:
Follow all label instructions. The label will tell you when it should be applied (based on both lifecycle of the plant and time of day), the pests it was made to target and it will have an Environmental Hazards statement providing pollinator information.
Dispose of all unused pesticides properly.
If you opt to hire a professional, let them know you would like to try to solve your problem without harming pollinators.
2. Shop Smart!
One of the simplest changes you can make to help protect pollinators is with your wallet.
Support local beekeepers and buy local honey or employ them to remove bees from your property instead of killing them.
Buy organic. Certified Organic farms aren’t using harmful pesticides, which reduces the environmental impact of their farming practices.
Be vigilant when purchasing plants. If you are buying starter plants from a local store, ask about pesticide use. Inspect your plants for signs of disease or pests before purchasing.
3. Plant a Pollinator Garden
The most impactful way to help the pollinators is to plant a pollinator garden. No matter the space that you have, something can be done to make it more pollinator friendly.
Do your research. Determine what kind of pollinator you want to attract (bees, butterflies, birds, etc.) Plant specific varieties of native, non-invasive plants to support your chosen pollinator.
Plant flowers that are low maintenance to avoid disturbing the pollinators at work.
Plant in clusters to provide an easy “target” for pollinators. They are more likely to visit your garden if there is more than one plant available. Even just two or three planters or window boxes can be enough of a draw to attract them.
No matter how you choose to help, the importance of bees cannot go ignored for much longer. Without these essential workers, our food supply would drastically decrease. These are just some of the steps you can take to protect the pollinators and help them to thrive.