Collateral Damage: How mass spraying is killing more than just mosquitoes

Bees are dying at frightening rates. Could the chemicals we blast into the air to control mosquito populations have something to do with it?

I'm going to get right down to business today when talking about mosquito spraying.  I understand that people hate mosquitoes for the annoying itchy bite they give and more so for the fact that they can transmit diseases.  But widespread pesticide spraying is killing a lot more than just mosquitoes.  With that being said, I want you to think for a minute about the effects of blanket pesticide spraying over entire areas (by truck and/or by helicopter) on our environment and our fragile ecosystem.

In April 2016, researchers reported that honeybee keepers lost 44 percent of their colonies in the prior 12 months. That's up from 42.1 percent in 2015 and 39 percent in 2014.  2015 was the first time in history that beekeepers lost more bees during the summer than in the winter. If colony collapse disorder continues at the current rate, managed honeybees will disappear by 2035.  Colony collapse disorder was recognized as a serious threat in 2006. Scientists suspected viruses, pesticides, and fungicides made the bees vulnerable to mites.

Are They Spraying Your Backyard?

Place signs like this in your yard to let people know you have opted out of mosquito spraying and help raise awareness in your neighborhood

We live in Massachusetts where the chemicals used to control the mosquito population (synthetic pyrethroid pesticides) are HIGHLY toxic to freshwater aquatic organisms including fish and aquatic invertebrates and are also HIGHLY toxic to honey bees.  This is clearly stated on the product labels. 

Because of this, I'm asking you to take 2 minutes to opt yourself and your property OUT of mosquito spraying this year with the easy online application.  Click the button below to opt-out at your house. The bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and more will thank you later. 

Click here to say NO spraying at your house

​Once you complete the online application to opt out of mosquito spraying, you should place "No Spray" signs in your yard as mentioned in the application process.  You can make your own if you wish, or you can purchase this awesome sign from a local owner and beekeeper of Beverly Bees, a sustainable, organic beekeeping and bee removal company located in Beverly, Massachusetts.  These No Spraying Signs stand out and will get people thinking about protecting honey bees and other pollinators from pesticide sprays.  It will also remind the person spraying that you have opted your property out of mosquito spraying.  

Buy your No Spray Sign Here

​Widespread mosquito pesticide spraying is killing our precious pollinators as well as beneficial bugs that eat mosquitoes.  That's why you should opt out of mosquito spraying on your yard.  But that does not mean you shouldn't take measures to protect yourself from mosquito bites since some of the diseases they spread can be serious.  Here are some easy and environmentally friendly ideas you can try to help avoid getting bit by mosquitoes:

Protect Yourself

If you're concerned about repellents that contain harsh chemicals. give this certified organic version a try

1.  Avoid areas where mosquito borne diseases are more prevalent.  A simple google search can help you avoid hot spots for diseases such as dengue and yellow fever.

2.  Avoid going outside at certain times of day like dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are more active.

3. If you do go outside during peak mosquito times, wear clothing that covers exposed skin.  Long sleeves and pants will help protect you against mosquito bites.

4.  Use TOXIC FREE insect repellent on your exposed skin.  We have found an absolutely incredible Certified Organic spray that you and your family can use on your skin to repel mosquitos.  This Certified Organic Pest Protection Spray by Poofy Organics is made with safe natural ingredients.  Check out the following link to look at the ingredient list and also to give you ideas of plants to grow in your yard to repel mosquitoes even more!  

Get Your Certified Organic Bug Spray Here

​Protect Your House & Yard

Did you know you certain plants repel mosquitoes?

1.  Remove standing water from your yard since this is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.  

2.  Patch up any holes in your windows and door screens so mosquitoes can't enter your house.

3.  If you are outside, circulate the air near you with a fan.  Mosquitoes are not strong fliers and fans make it difficult for them to fly near you.  

4.  Purchase a bat house (or several) and make your yard a place bats will visit and naturally rid your yard of mosquitoes.

5.  Purchase seeds and/or plants that you can grow in your yard that mosquitoes will stay away from.  As an added benefit, some of these mosquito repelling plants are edible!  

1.  Lavender - Mosquito repelling and edible
2.  Lemon Balm - Mosquito repelling and edible
3.  Basil - Mosquito repelling and edible
4.  Mint - Mosquito repelling and edible
5.  Rosemary - Mosquito repelling and edible
6.  Citronella Grass - Mosquito repelling
7.  Marigolds - Mosquito repelling
8.  Geranium - Mosquito repelling
9.  Catnip - Mosquito repelling 

6. Clear out trees and shrubs that block the sun. Don't go crazy chopping down every tree in sight, but mosquitoes need dark shady areas to breed. If you can let more light in that will drive them away, especially during daylight hours. 

A Call For Change

Within the last few years, concerns over toxic pesticide use has caused Massachusetts towns such as Marblehead and Swampscott to opt out of mosquito spraying for their entire town.  In these towns, aerial spraying must be voted on at a Town Meeting.  Is it time for us to come together and opt our entire town out or at the very least rethink our current plan?   

Other Massachusetts organizations such as The Massachusetts Audobon also believe  "The existing programs for mosquito control in Massachusetts are antiquated and fragmented, and reform is needed."  You can read their full position on mosquito control here.

A great national organization called Beyond Pesticides is a 501©3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington D.C. which works with allies in protecting public health and the environment to lead the transition to a world free of toxic pesticides.  Beyond Pesticides identifies and interprets pesticide hazards and designs safe pest management programs.  Please visit their website for information on the many programs they lead to keep us and our planet healthy.  They also include information on how you can lead the way to get your town opted out of spraying completely. 

What Difference Can I Make?

Is stopping spraying over your tiny piece of the planet going to save the bees? No, but it's a start. By telling people you are deciding to opt-out or by putting your "no spray" sign on the front lawn you are raising awareness that there is even a problem in the first place. Awareness leads to education which leads to positive change. Imagine if one of the ballot questions in the next election was about widespread spraying of chemicals known for a fact to harm bees and aquatic life - do you think that would have any chance of passing? The only reason it's allowed to continue today is because only a tiny fraction of the population knows it's happening. You have a chance to change that right now just by sharing this article. Somebody lead the charge in Marblehead and Swampscott to get their town to stop spraying so we already know it can be done. You may not be the type who would take the reigns and run with a local campaign to do something similar - but you just might inspire the person who is. 

UNLESS someone like you
cares a whole awful lot, 
nothing is going to get better.
It's not.

- Dr. Seuss, The Lorax