Be Aware of Pollinators
What are Pollinators and why should you care?
Pollinators are bees, butterflies, hummingbirds and other animals that feed from flowers, transferring pollen in the process.
Nearly 80% of all flowering plants need pollinators to transfer pollen between flowers in order to produce seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
Approximately one out of every three bites of food you eat depends on the work of a pollinating animal.
Pollination also produces seeds and fruits that feed birds and other wildlife.
Many blooming plants depend on pollinators for survival, and globally many pollinators are declining from a variety of causes.
When you use pesticides you could unintentionally harm pollinators and other beneficial insects. Your careful actions can prevent harming pollinators.
What is a Pesticide?
A pesticide is a substance used to control unwanted plants, insect pests, rodents, or plant diseases. Pesticides include herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, and fungicides.
Because insects are the most prevalent pollinators, insecticides are the primary pesticide group to threaten pollinators. Herbicides, such as Roundup have little to no direct effect on pollinators.
This publication is generated on behalf of:
N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Agriculture Commissioner, Steve Troxler
Structural Pest Control and Pesticides Division
1090 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1090
919-733-3556
www.ncagr.gov/SPCAP
Before Tackling Your Pest Problems
TM
FOR HOMEOWNERS