Warmer temperatures this spring are generally promoting early flowering of plants as well as moving up the timetable for pollinator activity. Now is a good time for homeowners in Oregon to take steps that will “bee friendly” to a very important ally in the insect world. “We are starting to see a lot of bees emerging, particularly native pollinators,” says Rose Kachadoorian, an entomologist with the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s Pesticides Program. “Honeybees are showing up in the urban environment, too. It’s a perfect time for homeowners to start looking at the plants in their yard and garden to make sure they are pollinator-friendly.” With nationwide concerns about declining bee populations, ordinary citizens can play a big role in protecting pollinators. It starts with the landscape. Since pollinators actively seek flowering plants in bloom, it’s beneficial to extend the blooming season. “A lot of us have plants in our yard that bloom in the spring and early summer, but towards the end of summer, there isn’t a lot of blooming going on,” says Kachadoorian. “Now is a great opportunity to purchase some plants that will bloom later on in the year. Some attract mostly native bumblebees, others bring in honeybees. Many plants attract both.” Doing some research ahead of the purchase is helpful, with many websites providing good information on which plants are best for pollinators. Most garden centers are also knowledgeable and can direct homeowners to the ideal plants. There is also good information on the labels of the plants themselves, including the timing of blooms. The marketplace has responded to the heightened awareness of pollinator protection. “A few years ago, a nursery or garden center might have had just a section for plants that did well in the shade and one for plants that did well in direct sun,” says Kachadoorian. “Then you started to see butterfly gardens. Now, you’ll see sections and plants that will tout being pollinator-friendly.” Once the plants are purchased, putting them into the ground should be strategic. Just like last year, dry conditions may prevail this summer in many parts of Oregon, requiring wise use of water. Placing plants together that have the same water requirements can be more efficient. One component of nectar is water, so bee-friendly plants need to be fairly well hydrated even during a hot and dry summer. The homeowner’s job is only partially done once the plants are in the ground. Maintaining the plants is important to sustaining pollinator activity. “Homeowners are encouraged to use an integrated pest management approach in dealing with pest issues,” says Kachadoorian. “We don’t discourage anyone from using pesticide products, we just want everyone to be smart about it. We think plants, pesticides, and bees can co-exist.” If pesticides need to be used, homeowners absolutely need to read and follow the label. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approves the language on pesticide labels and has clarified them to include pollinator-specific information. Certain products containing neonicotinoids– a special class of pesticides– are required to contain a bee advisory section that includes a bee icon informing the user that the product is a potential hazard to bees. The label language prohibits use of the pesticide product when bees are foraging and plants are in bloom. It also highlights the importance of avoiding drift during application. This information is consistent with messages delivered by ODA the past couple of years. “If homeowners can just avoid treating plants when they are in bloom, that is a real plus,” says Kachadoorian. “Many companies that market to homeowners now offer products that say they are ‘bee-friendly’. In any case, you’ll want to read the pesticide label before you purchase the product.” Linden trees are about to bloom in Oregon. The flowers of the showy and popular tree are highly attractive to bumblebees in particular. Unfortunately, they are a favorite of aphids as well, which is why they have been treated in the past with a systemic insecticide. ODA recognized that specific neonicotinoids used on linden trees and other Tilia species were associated with bee deaths in recent years. As a result, four neonicotinoids are prohibited from being applied on Tilia species regardless of application method or timing. Meanwhile, research continues on using beneficial insects to parasitize and kill aphids. In addition, funds generated by ODA’s apiary registration go to Oregon State University for research focused on honeybees. The 2015 Oregon Legislature also directed a pesticide product registration fee increase that helps pollinator awareness. For every pesticide product registered by ODA, $10 goes to outreach and education. OSU, with help from ODA and others, will be developing an education program that will reach out to homeowners, the agriculture industry, and others. One priority of the plan is reaching non-English speakers. ODA has produced a high quality publication that may be interesting and helpful to the public. “Common Bee Pollinators of Oregon Crops” contains high resolution images and descriptions of the bees most Oregonians would encounter. Other guides are available through OSU, USDA, and organizations such as the Xerces Society. In the past year, the issue of pollinator protection has mobilized several organizations– some governmental, others not. In March, a Washington DC symposium organized by the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) brought together a large group of states, scientists, and other key parties to share ideas on pollinator protection. ODA’s Rose Kachadoorian was a featured speaker and emphasized the importance of not only honeybees and other managed pollinators, but native pollinators, too. “I believe Oregon is one of the most engaged states,” she says. “Unfortunately, it took some highly publicized bee kills to raise the level of consciousness for a lot of people, but those incidents captured the attention of a wide audience that included agriculture as well as the urban environment.” The collective steps taken by all Oregonians can go a long way in providing a safe haven for pollinators. For more information, contact Rose Kachadoorian at (503) 986-4651. For an audio recap of this story, please go to http://wp.me/p52oQB-c6 and scroll down.
