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The Decline in Pollinators & How You Can Help

You may have heard the whispers that pollinator’s such as bees and butterflies have been steadily declining over the past several years, but do you know why? Read through the information below to learn more about this ongoing epidemic, and see what you can do right in your own backyard to help. 

PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS

The more widespread application of pesticides in commercial and residential properties is causing a decline in the number of native broadleaf flowering plants that are an important source of food to local pollinators.It’s recommended

Honey bee sitting on a yellow flower

that you avoid treating your lawn for broadleaf weeds until the first perennial flowers begin to bloom. By doing so, you give the dandelions a chance to bloom, which are a vital food source for pollinators in early spring when there aren’t many other options. 

CLIMATE CHANGES

Experts believe that the changes in climate are causing a negative impact on bee populations in a variety of ways. On one hand, rising winter temperatures could be causing bees to become active during winter days when they are not normally. They will then go out to forage for food, and with a lack of flowering plants in bloom, they will go without any.

Bumblebee on a pink flower covered in pollen

On the other hand, mild winters and earlier springs could be causing plants to bloom earlier, prior to the bees’ normal active time. This would cause the flowering plants to miss their opportunity for pollination, and over time reduce the plant’s reproduction. 

Warmer temperatures are also causing bees in the south to move further north by as much as 300km, while the northern edge of their habitat remains the same. Essentially making the total area of their habitat smaller. 

LOSS OF HABITAT

As society continues to grow and expand infrastructure into natural environments, pollinator habitats are becoming increasingly condensed. This loss of food and shelter is playing a large role in the decrease of pollinator populations. The reduction in the quality of available habitats is also a major concern. For example, ground-nesting species will have trouble finding a suitable location for a nest in urban locations with large areas of paved surfaces. In addition, road construction, property development, and agriculture continue to break up pollinator habitats, which poses a threat to migratory species looking for a place to land along their route. 

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

There are three major ways you can contribute to pollinator protection right in your own backyard.

1. Include native plants in your gardens that vary in seasonal blooming times. That way, pollinators will have a source of food throughout the season. 

2. Avoid using DIY pesticides and herbicides on your property.Chemicals applied professionally   by   Richland

A close-up of a bee balm blossom

Pest & Bee are aligned with preserving pollinator habitats. We try to focus on repelling bees as much as possible as opposed to killing them. 

3. Create natural habitats and nesting areas around your property by leaving  some piles of autumn leaves in an area not frequented by humans. This allows a space for the pollinators to safely leave their eggs over the winter.

In addition, you can help spread the word about pollinator awareness to your friends and family by sharing this information with them. If you’d like to safely and effectively prevent bees from nesting in your home, contact Richland Pest & Bee Control about our bee prevention services. We apply a safe liquid chemical to wood, aluminum and vinyl sided structures throughout Connecticut in spring and early summer in order to repel bees instead of killing them. Give us a call at 1-800-308-9126, or contact us online, to learn more about our preventative treatments for bees. 

About Us

Richland Pest and Bee Control was established in 1977. We have one of the longest running businesses for pest control in CT. Richland Pest and Bee Control is a full-service professional Connecticut pest control company and bee removal service licensed by the State of Connecticut in various pest control categories.

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