Pollinators are insects with a big impact. In fact, they are responsible for 30-40 % of what we eat! Most of the flowering plants on earth, including the ones we depend upon for food, rely on bees, birds, butterflies, bats, and other animals in order to reproduce.
Unfortunately, many of these important species are threatened. In the United States, at least 1/3 are in decline, and 19% of our butterflies are at risk of extinction. As habitat loss, diseases, climate change, and other issues continue to threaten pollinators and our own food sources, many homeowners have started working towards making their property more pollinator-friendly.
It doesn’t have to be complicated, but there are a few common mistakes that can unintentionally drive away pollinators.
- Manicured grass is a wasteland for pollinators: no food, water, or shelter.
- Replace some grass with several native plants. For plants that are native to Maryland, visit Native Plant Center – Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. Plant a variety and clump together “like” plants to ensure the pollinators find them easily.
- Insecticides kill all insects because they can’t tell the difference between pollinators and invasive insects such as the lantern fly.
- Insects need clean and shallow water sources. Put some pebbles/rocks in a saucer. Water should be refreshened every couple of days to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
- Leave your fall plants alone and plan on cleaning out/pruning in late Spring. This allows a variety of insects to overwinter in a safe environment.
- Be careful! Once the “bug” bites you, you’ll want to do more to improve our native habitat. Below are good places to begin your journey.