Direct contact
Spraying can hit pollinators or coat surfaces they land on.
Habitat safety
Avoid Pesticides
Keep habitat safe by reducing chemical use. Learn why systemic products matter and discover non-chemical alternatives for pest management.
Rule of thumb: If it blooms, do not spray it.
Why it matters
How pollinators are exposed
Pollinators encounter chemicals in everyday, often accidental ways.
Residues on plants
Residues remain on leaves and flowers where insects feed.
Nectar exposure
Systemic products can show up in nectar and pollen.
Food loss
Herbicides remove flowering plants pollinators rely on.
Highest risk
Situations to avoid first
These four scenarios carry the greatest risk to pollinators.
- Spraying anything in bloom.
- Using systemic products that move into nectar and pollen.
- Preventative treatments with no real pest problem.
- Broad-spectrum sprays that harm beneficial insects.
Choose targeted, non-chemical options first. Only treat if needed.
Safer alternatives
What to do instead
Avoiding pesticides does not mean doing nothing. It means choosing the safest tool first.
Accept a little imperfection
Minor leaf damage is normal and plants can recover.
Use physical methods
Hand-pull weeds, prune leaves, or spray pests off with water.
Encourage natural helpers
Lady beetles and lacewings keep pests in check.
Reduce risk if needed
Treat the smallest area possible and never during bloom.
Lawns are the easiest start
Low-effort changes that help
- Reduce perfect lawn expectations.
- Allow small flowering patches or convert strips to natives.
- Skip routine weed-and-feed programs.
- Mow less often or mow in sections.
These shifts protect blooms without changing your whole landscape.
Quick decision guide
A simple checklist before any treatment
1) Identify
Know the pest and whether it is actually harming the plant.
2) Try low-risk
Use physical or cultural fixes first.
3) Protect blooms
Never treat plants in bloom or when pollinators are active.
If a plant is blooming, pause and choose a non-chemical option instead.
Next steps
Protect blooms and grow habitat
Pair pesticide-free choices with native planting for the biggest impact.