Pests account for 20 to 40% of global crop losses each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s not just an economic issue — it’s a food security crisis that affects millions of people worldwide. Even on a smaller scale, backyard gardeners know the frustration of watching aphids destroy their carefully tended tomatoes and tulips.
Insecticides play a critical role in controlling pest populations so that we can grow the food and flowers we love — but at what cost? These chemicals don’t differentiate between destructive pests and the pollinators that keep ecosystems thriving.
So, how can we manage pests without putting pollinators at risk?
The answer lies in integrated pest management (IPM), a strategic approach that minimizes harm to beneficial insects while keeping pest populations in check. By being selective and intentional with insecticide use, we can protect pollinators and maintain healthy ecosystems.
Key Players in Pollination
Bees likely come to mind when you think of pollinators: buzzing from flower to flower, effortlessly spreading pollen. But they’re not the only ones doing the work. Many other pollinators help plants produce fruits and vegetables, maintain biodiversity, and sustain the multi-billion-dollar agricultural industry.
Some of our planet’s most important pollinators include:
- Butterflies
- Moths
- Hummingbirds
- Beetles
- Wasps
How Do Insecticides Affect Pollinators?
Insecticides work by disrupting an insect’s ability to grow, reproduce or even survive. Unfortunately, these chemicals don’t distinguish between pests and pollinators. While your goal may be to reduce the number of aphids or caterpillars, any pollinators present during or after insecticide application could suffer harmful effects.
One of the biggest threats to pollinators is neonicotinoids. These neurotoxic chemicals, commonly applied to crops, gardens and lawns, work by binding to an insect’s nerve cells. This overstimulation leads to paralysis and, ultimately, death.
Are Neonicotinoids Harmful to Pollinators?
Neonicotinoids are highly effective at pest control, making them one of the most commonly used insecticides in the U.S. However, their widespread use has been linked to sharp declines in pollinator populations. From bees to hummingbirds, even low levels of exposure can impair their ability to navigate, forage or reproduce. This disruption can affect entire ecosystems and reduce the number of plants capable of successfully reproducing each year.
The result? Fewer crops available for consumption and commerce.
Protecting Pollinators: Safer Pest Control Methods
Insecticides may be one of the quickest ways to rid an area of pests, but there are steps we can take to minimize their impact on pollinators. Whether you’re tackling a large-scale pest problem or simply dealing with a few unwanted guests in your backyard garden, you can effectively manage pests while safeguarding the pollinators that help our ecosystems thrive.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): A Safer Approach to Pest Control
Rather than turning to insecticides as a first resort, IPM focuses on preventing pest problems before they arise. This proactive approach reduces the need for insecticides, ultimately protecting pollinators in the process.
Consider these preventative strategies for more sustainable pest management:
- Monitor pest populations
Identify the types and numbers of pests early to catch infestations before they grow. This allows you to use targeted, non-chemical control methods for effective management. - Try natural control methods
If you catch pests early enough, you can often use natural methods to control their numbers. Introducing natural predators, like wasps or ladybugs, can be a highly effective solution. - Choose insecticides carefully
Not all insecticides have the same negative impact on pollinators. Look for options like insecticidal soaps or products made with fatty acids. They’re effective against pests but less harmful to beneficial insects.
Smart Pest Control Methods
You’ve tried preventative measures and natural solutions — with little success. If you’re ready to reach for stronger pest control options, make sure you do so responsibly.
Ultimately, sustainable pest control comes down to strategy. Below, we offer some helpful hints so you can effectively remove pests while ensuring the safety of pollinators:
- Time it right
Bees and other pollinators are less active in the evening, so apply insecticides after they’ve returned to their hives. - Avoid blooming flowers
Pollinators are most active when flowers are in bloom. Spraying directly onto blossoms increases the risk of exposure. Instead, target non-flowering areas or wait until blooms have faded. - Mow first
If you must spray while flowers are present, mow them down beforehand. This discourages pollinators from lingering in the area. - Choose granules
Granular insecticides settle into targeted areas more effectively, while dust-based products can drift and harm unintended habitats.
Explore IPM Strategies With the World’s #1 Entomology and Nematology Program
Whether you’re passionate about protecting pollinators through sustainable pest management or aspiring to become an entomologist, the University of Florida offers four specialized paths to help you launch or advance your career:
- Medical Entomology
- Landscape Pest Management
- Urban Pest Management
- Beekeeping
Within each specialization, you can choose between a 15-credit online graduate certificate or a 30-credit master’s degree. Each graduate certificate provides focused expertise in your chosen field, while a master’s degree includes 15 credits in your specialization alongside a broader foundation in entomology.
Explore each program to find the best fit for your goals. Then, submit your application and take the next step toward a career in the growing field of entomology.
Sources:
https://www.nifa.usda.gov/about-nifa/blogs/researchers-helping-protect-crops-pests
https://www.nrdc.org/stories/neonicotinoids-101-effects-humans-and-bees
