Pollinator health has been in the news lately and there are a lot of questions, as well as some erroneous information, being presented. The Sprague Pest Experts are very aware of the important role pollinators play in agriculture production in the Pacific Northwest, Intermountain regions and across the country.
Bees, flies, moths and other insects help pollinate crops that in turn help yield the delicious and nutritious food that is served at our dinner tables and in restaurants. Ensuring that these pollinators are able to do their work is important for all of us.
Often times, stinging insects, specifically yellow jackets and wasps are mistaken as pollinators. Sprague’s Technical Director, Jeff Weier estimates that about 90 percent of the service requests that Sprague receives about “bees” actually end up being non pollinating, stinging insects. According to research from the National Pest Management Association, an estimated 500,000 people go to the hospital annually due to encounters with stinging insects. While yellow jackets and wasps pose risks to those working in or visiting commercial facilities, pollinators can easily be managed.
Finding the proper balance between preventing stinging insects from harming people and allowing them to carry out their important role pollinating crops, is a chief concern for the pest management industry and the Sprague Pest Experts. As a result, Sprague does not treat pollinating plants or crops with chemicals that could interfere with pollination.
The issue is a complex one and many factors contribute to pollinator health, including pests and parasites, microbial diseases, nutrition problems, loss of habitat and forage, and climate change.
As the spring and summer season approaches and service calls for stinging insects increase, the Sprague Pest Experts will make every effort to design control programs that use the latest application techniques and least environmentally impactful products. This will ensure both non-target pollinators and their habitats are not unnecessarily harmed while at the same time guaranteeing the public’s safety.
For more information on the pest management industry’s efforts to protect pollinators, visit http://www.pollinatorhealth.org/