Pollinator Conservation: Pesticide Free Pollinator Gardens
Pollinator Conservation will be an ongoing series leading up to the Great Georgia Pollinator Census event taking place on August 19th and 20th. Read all in the series.
Ever heard of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances? Me either. A new study has found our rainwater is globally unsafe to drink, even in small amounts. These everlasting fluoroalkyl chemicals which can cause a variety of life-threatening diseases such as, cancer, liver damage, fertility problems, thyroid disease, and different forms of lung damage have made the water hazardous to ingest. In samples of rainwater, thirteen of twenty-three pesticides were observed some in high concentrations.
With pollinator gardens, we can be a part of the solution! The Great Georgia Pollinator Census is just days away, here are some ways you can have your pollinator garden pesticide free:
- Avoid pests from the very beginning by removing pest habitat, plant disease and pest-resistant plant varieties, and removing pest habitats.
- Support pollinators by planning native flowering plant species that are naturally resistant to insect pests.
- Make sure your pest population has reached a point where control is needed.
- Use essential oils to deter garden and house pests such as, tea tree oil, lavender, and orange have disinfecting and anti-fungal benefits while also attracting pollinators. Use peppermint, cinnamon, and clove oils if weeds invade your pollinator plants. Essential Oils in Your Garden
Creating a cleaner environment for ourselves and our pollinators is a powerful way to help reverse climate change. Having fun using your artistic license composing a beautiful clean pollinator garden. Join us on the 19th and 20th for the pollinator census!
How to participate in the Great Georgia Pollinator Census:
Teresa Perkins is a climate change and sustainability journalist, who is creating research-based climate change content pertaining to sustainable energy at local, national, and global level for publication and distribution. She partners with non-profit organizations for innovative ideas and sustainability projects and connects global UN Climate Change reports to local initiatives.
