News
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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. -
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. -
Landscape plants and wildflowers attractive to butterflies for nectar feeding
Published on May 1, 2019
Many of the flowering plants attractive to bees will also be visited by butterflies. However, butterflies are attracted to flowers almost entirely for feeding on nectar. -
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. -
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. -
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. -
Flowers throughout the year
Published on May 1, 2019
The best habitats for bees have flowering plants rich in nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Survey your yard and garden to see when flowers are abundant and when they are scarce. -
Registration now required to sell non-native aquatic plants
Published on April 19, 2019
According to a new law, all retailers of live non-native aquatic organisms must now register yearly with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. -
Tree, turf and ornamental plant update – April 19, 2019
Published on April 19, 2019
Spring has sprung in most of Michigan, leading gardeners to ask many common turf, pruning and pollinator health questions.