I recently planted some flowers I bought from stores like Walmart and Lowes, but I've noticed a bee dying after it visited one of them. This is my first time hearing about insecticides used on these flowers, and I feel really bad for not knowing! Is there a way to remove these harmful chemicals after the flowers have been planted? I aimed to create a garden that's friendly to pollinators, but now I'm worried because I also used my own pesticide-free seed starts. Any tips or advice would be really appreciated!
3 Answers
If you’re concerned about those flowers, you might want to consider cutting them down. It’s said that if you suspect the plants have been treated with pesticides, that’s a safer bet. Also, when buying plants in the future, try to seek out local or native sellers and ask them if their plants are treated. If they can't provide a clear answer, it might be safer to skip them entirely.
Honestly, it can be quite concerning because even if you have a pollinator-friendly garden, you might still see dead or struggling honey bees. They often leave the hive when they're nearing the end of their lifespan, so sometimes it’s not directly linked to your flowers. Just remember, big box store plants tend to offer little value to pollinators. Best of luck with your gardening journey!
It's important to be aware that neonicotinoids, which are commonly used on these flowers, can linger in the plant tissue for weeks, especially in shaded areas. While you can rinse off a mild solution of bleach and water for certain plants like milkweed, it might not completely eliminate the chemicals. If you're looking to attract more beneficial insects, focus on native plants next time. Those tend to be much more bee-friendly!
I totally agree! Native plants are way better for encouraging healthy bee populations. Plus, they often require less maintenance too.