Call to action for pollinators

It is hard to be an insect these days. Even though insects are vital to life on earth they face a magnitude of threats from poor human decisions. As development expands, natural areas are decreasing, so there is less habitat, nesting sites, and flowers. Habitats that remain are small and far apart, isolating populations and increasing threats from outside. Smaller protected areas are more likely to be impacted by pesticide drift, road noise, light pollution, stormwater runoff, invasive species, mosquito sprays, and disrupted food chains.

We need to protect our remaining natural areas from destruction. These spaces are havens for wildlife that are being threatened from all sides. Species need a large enough area to allow a gene pool big enough to prevent inbreeding. Many habitat areas need to be increased in size or connected to neighboring habitat to be big enough to support rare species populations.

Decreasing biodiversity of plants, vast areas of lawns, and landscaping fads that favor exotic and even invasive plants leave little food for pollinators and other insects. A traditional landscape supports less than 400 species. A native plant landscape can support over 1400 species. That is a 1000 more species just by using native plants. Ramant pesticide use in agriculture and neighborhoods makes even flower gardens toxic. Bees are less able to fight off disease when they are exposed to pesticides and also reduced nutrition.

One of the stressors invading remaining habitat is light pollution. We need to reduce light pollution at home and work. City lights can confuse night insects and migrating birds. Moths are attracted to lights where they spend their time that they should be out pollinating. The glow of a city can be confusing to animals that are sensitive to light to know when it is time to sleep or wake. Day light also triggers animals wishing to migrate and plants wishing to bloom, artificial light can disrupt their rhythm.

Supporting wildlife friendly community gardens and having our own gardens that support wildlife can provide more habitat. Connecting these gardens together across a neighborhood can provide even greater benefits.