Insecticide For Bumble Bees

The appearance of bumble bees in the fall is a welcome sight for many residents. However, due to a phenomenon called “colony collapse disorder” (CCD), their numbers have dramatically declined since 2006. In addition to colony collapse, another major threat to bumble bee populations has been exposure to toxic pesticide. This article takes into account both risks and explores ways for addressing them.

Insecticide For Bumble Bees

Bumble bees can become pests when their nests are built near humans. Though not as likely to attack people as other social insects, like yellowjacket wasps, bumble bees can and will sting. In addition, unlike honey bees, bumble bees can sting repeatedly. Stings are most likely when a nest is disturbed. Bumble bees rarely sting if they are merely disturbed during pollen gathering visits to flowers.

Carpenter bees are similar in appearance to bumble bees, but lack hairs on the top surface of the last body segment (abdomen).  Carpenter bees are not social insects and do not sting to defend their nests.  Their nesting activities, however, can damage wooden decks, patios and other structures due to their habit of boring nest holes in soft wood.

Control

Insecticide sprays should never be applied to flowers for bumble bee control.  Such applications are not effective and can harm other beneficial insects. The most effective control for bumblebees is to treat the nest. A small amount of insecticide dust, such as carbaryl (Sevin®) or other appropriately labeled product, should be applied to the mouth of the nest. Treatments are most effective if blown into the nest using a squeeze bottle (or similar) applicator.   Aerosol or liquid insecticide sprays labeled for bee and wasp control can also be used, especially when nests have been dug up or exposed. Persons with allergies to bees or wasps should avoid attempting to treat bee nests, as there is always a chance of getting stung during treatment. Another option is to contact a professional pest management company for nest extermination.

Insecticide For Bumble Bees

The problem is not one of a lack of insecticide, but rather the fact that there are many different types of insecticides and they all have different uses. We need to know what kind of insecticide we need before we can determine whether or not it will be effective against bumble bees.

Insecticides are used when there is a problem with pests or weeds in your garden. They contain chemicals that kill pests or weeds on contact and prevent them from growing back for up to several months. The most common types of insecticides include:

*Carbamate Insecticides: These are extremely toxic to humans and other mammals, but do not harm plants or insects. They work by attacking the nervous system of insects and causing paralysis within seconds after being exposed to the toxin. Carbamates are very effective against ants, mosquitoes, flies and fleas but not as effective against beetles since they tend to be more resistant to this type of chemical warfare than other types of insects such as spiders which tend to avoid areas where carbamate has been sprayed because they don’t want their webs destroyed by the poison spray which kills their prey before it can reach them so they won’t be able to feed themselves

List Of Insecticide For Bumble Bees