I'm trying to establish a small fruit tree orchard and I'm having difficulty with a wide variety of foliage destroying insect pests. I've been using pollinator-safe control (neem oil, BT) but it's not enough because I simply can't reapply every time it rains. I'm considering Imidicloprid soil drench (after flower petal fall), and for the next several (?) years removing the flower buds before they open. I theorize that this should prevent pollinators from being killed, plus it keep the tree's energies focused on getting stronger instead of fruiting. Will this method actually protect the pollinators? If so, how many years would I need to remove the flower buds? The key is the soil half-life of the Imidicloprid vs. the maximum amount pollinators can tolerate without detriment. In my research I find half-lives of anything from weeks to years with very little data on the variables affecting the half life. I there anything you can suggest for getting better half life and pollinator tolerance data? Is there another method of control that I can use that doesn't require reapplication after a heavy rain? Any help would be greatly appreciated.