Four Lakes task force
Chippewa Nature Center
Pollinator Habitats and Bee Hives
Please contact Midland County Mosquito Control at 989-832-8677 to inform us of your bee hive locations.
Honeybees and other pollinators like Monarch butterflies are top of mind in Mosquito Control, from the types of mosquito treatments we utilize to the time of day we run those treatments. Our routes are designed to cover entire townships with bee hives marked on our technicians maps so proper procedures can be followed when approaching and passing beehives.
We follow the policy plan laid out by the Michigan Mosquito Control Association which is an overview of pollinator policies and procedures both municipal mosquito control and private companies can use for standard operating procedures.
Types of Treatments
Our main focus is on preventing mosquitoes from laying eggs and hatching into adult flying mosquitoes. This involves source reduction like removing standing water from properties including doing tire drives and treating standing water that can’t be removed.
BTI and its Uses
BTI (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) is a biological or naturally occurring bacterium found in soils. Its spores only impact the larvae of mosquito, blackfly, and fungus gnat. BTI has no toxicity to people and is approved for use in organic agriculture. BTI can be used in aerial spraying including over large bodies of water and in small water containers around the home. Mosquito control has focused its efforts on utilizing BTI due to its minimal impact on the environment and pollinators. More about this product can be found under our aerial application page and the label instructions page.
Michigan Mosquito Control Association (MMCA) – Best Practices
We are associated with several organizations to promote best practices regarding integrated mosquito management one of which being the MMCA.
- Control efforts targeting larval stage mosquitoes offer little to no risk to pollinators.
- Ultra Low Volume (ULV) fogging and limited residual spraying is effective for small insets like mosquitoes, and generally does not affect larger insects such as bees.
- Most ULV applications are done while honey bees and other pollinators are not active.
- When ULV operations occur earlier in the day, applications are limited to wooded areas away from flowering vegetation to avoid pollinator contact.
- Extra precaution taken when fogging near hives, in addition to primarily night time treatments, a buffer of 300 ft is maintained around hives en route.
