Protecting Bees and Butterflies When Treating Gardens

Pollinators are valuable, and some garden products harm them.

Treat with care.

The short answer

Avoid spraying open flowers, treat in the evening when pollinators are less active, choose targeted methods, avoid broad-spectrum sprays and use physical controls where possible. Tell your provider about pollinator-friendly goals.

Practices

1. Avoid spraying blooming plants.
2. Treat at dusk.
3. Use targeted methods.
4. Hand-pick or use traps.
5. Plant diverse flowers.

Avoid

• Broad-spectrum sprays on flowers.
• Drift onto neighbouring plants.

Balance

Tolerate some damage and encourage natural predators.

When to call a professional

If the problem is widespread, keeps returning or you are unsure what you are dealing with, a professional inspection will save time and avoid wasted effort.

Frequently asked questions

Are all insecticides harmful to bees?

Many are. Ask about options.

When to spray?

Evenings, away from flowers.

Can I attract pollinators?

Yes, with flowering plants.

Any alternatives?

Physical controls.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on pest control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full pest control guide for Bangalore.