“Pesticide” is the general term used for chemicals that target and kill pests like insects (insecticide), mites (miticide), weeds (herbicide), bacteria (bactericide) and fungi (fungicide). However, many of these are also toxic to bees. Each year, a lot of honeybee colonies are damaged or destroyed by these chemicals. This is a devastating impact on beekeepers, who might even have to relocate damaged hives. Some can also go out of business. Growers of insect-pollinated crops may experience lower yields, which in turn raises food prices.
Prepare for Hot Weather and Spider Mites in 2024
Many new miticides for strawberries and vegetables Hot and dry are ideal conditions for spider mite outbreaks. Along the East Coast, growers reported spider mite infestations in beans, cucurbits, eggplant, tomatoes, sweet corn, and even potatoes. Mites are not true insects but are classed as a type of arachnid closely related to insects, spiders, ticks, … Read more