News
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Monarch butterfly research update – May 2019
Published on May 17, 2019
Michigan is an important state for supporting the summer breeding population of monarchs. Here is an update on what we do and don’t know about increasing egg laying and survival. -
Pollinators in urban landscapes
Published on May 1, 2019
Most plants need pollination to reproduce and grow fruit. While some plants are wind-pollinated, many require assistance from insects, bats, hummingbirds or other animals. -
Biological control and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for protecting pollinators
Published on May 1, 2019
For the past 30 years or more, most tree care professionals and many informed property owners have been managing destructive insects by minimizing pesticide use and encouraging predators and parasitoids that naturally keep pests under control. -
Best Management Practices
Published on May 1, 2019
Most pesticide applications by tree care professionals are due to a few exotic pests. -
How to control invasive pests while protecting pollinators and other beneficial insects
Published on May 1, 2019
Pesticides should never be applied unless they are necessary to maintain plant health. -
Creating and maintaining pollinator friendly habitat
Published on May 1, 2019
Many types of insects feed on pollen and nectar, although two types of pollinators receive the most attention: bees and butterflies. -
Protecting pollinators during home lawn grub control
Published on May 1, 2019
The most widely used insecticides for grub infestations of lawns are neonicotinoid insecticides, which are toxic to pollinators if they are sprayed over flowers. -
Potential impact of mosquito and nuisance insect sprays on pollinators
Published on May 1, 2019
Fogging or spraying for mosquitoes or biting flies around the yard and garden with an insecticide can be very harmful to pollinators. -
Do not spray pollinator-attractive plants with insecticides when open flowers are present
Published on May 1, 2019
It is clear to most people that insecticides sprayed onto open flowers can be highly toxic to bees, even if they are sprayed early in the morning or at night when bees are not present. -
Selection, planting and care of trees and shrubs to avoid the need for pesticides
Published on May 1, 2019
The best way to minimize pollinator exposure to pesticides is to create and maintain healthy landscapes with plants that rarely require a pesticide application.