News
-
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. -
Best Management Practices
Published on May 1, 2019
Most pesticide applications by tree care professionals are due to a few exotic pests. -
Better habitat for bees
Published on May 1, 2019
In general, herbs and garden perennials are good for bees, while most annual bedding plants are less attractive to them. -
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. -
Introduction to protecting and increasing pollinators in your landscape
Published on May 1, 2019
Most of the fruit and vegetables we eat would not exist if we did not have honey bees and native bees to pollinate the flowers they developed from. -
Considerations for disease management
Published on May 1, 2019
It was previously thought that fungicides and bactericides are harmless to honey bees and other pollinators, and in fact, most fungicides are still considered relatively safe, even while spraying when pollinators are present. -
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. -
Factors that threaten pollinator health
Published on May 1, 2019
Most researchers agree that a combination of factors is causing declines in bee and pollinator populations, including loss of habitat or flowers that provide pollen and nectar, pesticide exposure, parasites and pathogens. -
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.