Knowledgebase

Does mosquito joe kill bees and lightning bugs? #666723

Asked July 20, 2020, 8:44 PM EDT

I've seen a major decline in bees, gnats, and lightning bugs as well as mosquitos in my yard for the past 2 years. I suspect the drop in pollinators explains the lowered yield from my vegetable plot. The neighbor who moved in 2 years ago has "mosquito joe" treat their yard. Could this account for the loss of bees and other insects in my yard?

Montgomery County Maryland

Expert Response

It might - any broadcast mosquito-control spraying could impact other insects and wildlife, depending on the chemical(s) used. As an example, the pesticide B.t.i. (Bacillus thuringiensis variety israelensis) is derived from naturally-occurring soil bacteria and is toxic only to mosquitoes and other flies. This pesticide is typically applied directly to water sources where larvae are found, however, and not as a spray for adults. Oils, permethrin, and other aerial sprays are generalist compounds and can impact other non-target organisms. Timing of application (time of day, time of year) also influences which organisms are most exposed to the spray or its residues. In general, limiting pesticide use overall helps to preserve pollinators and other insects.
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/controlling-mosquitoes

Habitat degradation (not in your yard necessarily, but in the general area) can also cause declines in local populations of native bees, butterflies, fireflies, and other beneficial insects and pollinators. Outdoor light pollution (such as for fireflies - see link below), unusual weather patterns, and other factors also play a role in insect population size. Here are some tips on preserving and attracting pollinators and other beneficial insects that might help compensate for any homeowners resolute on spraying: https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/pollinators-natural-enemies-beneficial-insects

2019 blog post on fireflies in MD: http://bugoftheweek.com/blog/2019/7/1/just-in-time-for-the-4th-of-july-firefly-fireworks-lampyridae?rq=fireflies

Miri


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