Insects
Reducing Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can be pesky and sometimes make being outdoors unbearable. Tips are provided for safely and effectively reducing the number of mosquitoes.
Bees and wasps
Bees and wasps are attracted to the pollen and nectar provided by flowering plants. As insects visit flowers to gather pollen and nectar, they transfer pollen to the flower. Without pollination, seeds and fruit will not develop.
Preventing stings
The best way to help prevent stings is to establish proper ways to interact with insects. When bees are away from their hive gathering pollen and nectar they are very busy and not likely to sting unless they are bothered – inadvertently or deliberately.
Reducing bothersome stinging insects
Yellow jackets, hornets, and paper wasps are all members of the wasp family. Although wasps are not efficient pollinators, they are useful for pest control. Wasp colonies should not be trapped or removed unless they have become a nuisance.
More on Bees and other Pollinators
At the 9th Annual Natural Learning Design Institute, Debbie Roos, Agricultural Extension Agent, NC Cooperative Extension, Chatham County Center, made a presentation titled Please Design My Garden with Flowers but No Bees about the benefits of bees and other polinators.