Pollinator populations are unfortunately on the decline in our country, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. There are multiple reasons that affect their populations, but one area of concern is the application of pesticides that are used to control nuisance pests such as mosquitoes, fleas, and ticks.

At A+ Lawn & Landscape, we have learned ways to avoid spraying when pollinators may be present in order to reduce the environmental impact of pesticide applications in West Des Moines, Des Moines, Ankeny, and surrounding areas of central Iowa. Learn more about how we strategically work to protect beneficial pollinators in our area.

Types of Pollinators & Why We Need Them

Butterfly pollinator on a blooming flower near Des Moines, IA.

There are several types of beneficial pollinators in central Iowa and they are all essential to our local ecosystem. Pollinators include:

  • Honeybees
  • Bumble bees
  • Butterflies
  • Moths
  • Flies
  • Wasps
  • And more

These insects land on flowers, taking pollen with them and fertilizing other plants. In fact, pollinators are directly responsible for a third of the food we consume, according to Pollinator Partnership. Their presence in our environment is vital.

Pollinators are a key component of a healthy and happy ecosystem and necessary for our survival.

How We Protect Pollinators When We Apply Pest Control Treatments

At A+ Lawn & Landscape, we are devoted to protecting our local environment, but we also know how important it is to keep harmful pests like ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes out of your yard, as their bites can cause pain and also transmit potentially deadly diseases to you, your family, and your pets.

After more than three decades of pesticide application, our experts are well-versed in how to put down treatment in a way that is not harmful to pollinators. First, anyone who applies pesticide for our clients goes through two weeks of training with a full day dedicated to Neonicatoides, apiaries, and how crucial pollinators are to the environment.

When we visit a property to apply insecticide, we spray the product straight to the grass in order to avoid airborne contamination that could affect pollinators. We also schedule applications during the middle of the day when we know pollinators are the least active and avoid applying if there is any wind that could spread the chemical around.

Additionally, we do not spray any flowering plants that are in your landscape beds. This is to ensure that product does not get on the flowers that pollinators need to reach and fertilize. Our focus during pesticide applications and the products our lawn care company uses are focused toward deterrent, not total eradication. It is our goal to keep you and your loved ones safe from harm as well as protect the pollinators we so desperately need.

Looking for outdoor pest control that will not harm a large number of pollinators? Call us.

The team at A+ Lawn & Landscape is full of outdoor pest control experts who know the best strategies and practices for pollinator protection. We'll remove harmful pests while avoiding harm to a large number of pollinators on your property in Ankeny, Des Moines, Ankeny, and nearby Iowa cities. Call (515) 289-2020 to learn more.