B&Q PULL PESTICIDE

Its good to see that Bayer is admitting that their product is harmful to bees. I'm led to believe they usually deny it.

 

Can anyone name a pesticide that is "bee safe" if used incorrectly?

 

I forget the name now, I think it was called "rapid", made I think by ICI, I used to use it on my broadbeans to kill the black fly.
It was harmless to bees, ladybirds and lacewings, or so it said.

I think its been banned for about 10 yrs.

 

Then we are in a dilemma here surely? Can we grow profitable crops without the use of insecticides or pesticides - what's the difference between them?
Jenny

 

Can we grow profitable crops without the use of pollinators?

 

Insecticides kill insects. Pesticides have a much greater range, they kill insects, bacterial and fungal infections, undesired herbal growth and probably just about everything apart from specific vegetation.
The best way (in my opinion) to grow crops without using insecticides or pesticides is to use physical barriers. This is possible in the horticultral environment, but in the agricultural setting it's a different matter.

 

I think it was classed as an Aphicide, ie. it only killed Aphids, I used to use it on runners as well, but I only ever sprayed in the late evening, so hopefully dry by the morning.

 

How do we strike a harmonious balance then? Both bees and mosquitos pollinate cocoa flowers. Mosquitoes also carry harmful diseases which are passed on to humans.
I don't like to see my camellias the way they are at the moment . They are being invaded by "sooty mould" which is virtually impossible to eradicate unless it is done systemically with Provado,
Jenny

 

Pollinators are only required for "fruit" crops, but I suppose you could argue that others such as root crops need pollinators to produce seed in the first place although many might be wind pollinated.
There are many other insects that pollinate flowers, many overlooked.

But you cant beat the buzz of bees on a hot summer day, (remember them?)