Knowledgebase

Surround kaolin clay and bees/pollinators #871692

Asked June 05, 2024, 11:20 AM EDT

I wanted to spray Surround wp kaolin clay on my cucumbers, eggplants and squash plants to deter pests. I am finding mixed information as to whether this will affect bees/beneficial bugs. Do you have info on its toxicity? Also, will spraying flowers affect its ability to be pollinated?

Howard County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi- Surround poses very low risks to bees and other pollinators and natural enemies. It can be sprayed anytime. We suggest truing to avoid spraying  open flowers however. The dried kaolin clay may not harm pollinators but it could deter them from visiting flowers.
Resources:

https://ag.umass.edu/book/export/html/15893

https://extension.psu.edu/orchard-pollination-honey-bees
Jon
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 06, 2024, 10:41 AM EDT

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