Every year as the weather starts to turn warm, we all begin to migrate back outdoors and want to enjoy being outdoors without the constant presence of pests. There is a lot of conversation and concern regarding treatments for tick and mosquitos. We understand and respect all views on this subject and our position is one that we do everything in our practices and treatments to protect the pollinators. Pesticide treatments, while beneficial in many ways, have been misused by everyone from large agricultural operations to DIY homeowners. These days a person can buy just about anything on the internet, restricted use pesticides being one of them. Disregard to label instructions, poor and improper treatment applications and over treatment has unfortunately given pesticide treatment a bad reputation. While bee colony decline has been blamed on over pesticide use, we believe there is much more to it than that. Colony collapse, failure to thrive, varroa mite infestation, mis management of the hives among other maladies have challenged the success of honey bee populations. There are many companies these days that have tried to capitalize on the growing market for tick and mosquito service that do not follow best practices. It is wise to do your homework when choosing a company for these services to ensure they follow responsible guidelines. Pollinators and pest insects do not share the same harborages. Treatment placing is specific for ticks and mosquitos and different than areas where bees and pollinators spend their time. We do our best to keep treatments away from these areas, such as flowering plants and water sources. We alert the homeowner about other potential problems on their property, such as debris in gutters, where mosquitos can harbor. Standing water in tires, toys, etc where some mosquitos breed. Tall grass that needs mowing where ticks wait and quest. Knowledge is power and it takes more than just chemicals to achieve a successful program.
Ticks and mosquitos pose numerous and potentially extremely harmful diseases and it is up to each person to define their willingness to subject themselves to them. Our chemicals do not cause a colony collapse. Pollinators that somehow come in contact with our treatments will not infect their colony. There is always a possibility that a bee may die. But truth be told, a worker bee during the warmer months lives for 2-6 weeks. One or a few will not harm a colony. Again, ideally NO bee will be affected.
Some customers ask us about "Green" pesticides. Let's be clear..ALL pesticides kill soft bodied insects. Green pesticides will kill bees just the same. Do not be fooled by gimmicks. Green pesticides last a fraction of the time that other ones do and are much more expensive. There are times when they are warranted, such as a waterfront home and possible runoff affecting aquatic life. We use these materials when they are warranted.
The EPA and Department of Agriculture have been hard at work establishing best practices and restricted use pesticides are meant for professionals who have been trained how to deliver responsible treatments in accordance with the label and laws governing such materials.
This has been an attempt to raise awareness for the pollinators and a request for homeowners to do their due diligence when it comes to a company to service them. Obviously, there is more to this conversation than can be listed and discussed from one discussion here, but our hope is to provide responsible guidance for our customers and the public.