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Lakewood, Colorado

I have a moral dilemma to work through. I have not had any issue with insects to date, and have not sprayed for them either. My dilemma is the affect that these product have with bees. I really am leary about spraying anything that will kill the bees, because I have dozens, maybe hundreds, that spend all day in my patch. However, I don't want to loose the pumpkin that I have and it's potential if I get an insect issue. In fact, I would like to be ahead of the game with a preventative strategy, but don't know of an insecticide that won't kill all the bees. Please discuss and offer your opinions and recommendations.

7/22/2013 1:42:37 PM

Seattle, WA

Neem oil is a potential option. I've had decent success treating aphids with it, as well as most fungal diseases.

http://www.agrineem.com/PDF-Files/FUNCTIONAL%20BLOCKS%20OF%20NEEM%20OIL.pdf

If you must spray an insecticide, it would be best to do it when the bees are not active, like on a cold day (below 60 if possible).

Thanks for bringing up the issue again, I think it's an important topic.

I didn't know until last year that Spinosad killed bees!

7/22/2013 1:54:12 PM

Eastern Pennsylvania

It's not that I don't care about bees, but I have way too much invested in my pumpkin patch to allow insects to destroy it. So I spray with both products mentioned. There are so many greater risks to the bees than my small 70x45 foot area. After the pumpkin is set the unneeded flowers can be removed if you like, reducing bee impact.

7/22/2013 2:16:17 PM

Ontario

Most if not all systemic insecticides, are neonicatinoids. Bees fly 3-5 miles looking for pollen and nectar. These chems. disrupt their ability to find their way back to their hive. if they do get back , they spread it among the hive. France I believe banned these products and now are having their bees make a comeback. It's a tough call. Problem to is if a weed grows in your patch and they flower , it will do the same thing. Not a good situation for the bees....Terry

7/22/2013 3:00:58 PM

Colorado

Eric,you have to worry about squash bugs.The only thing that controls the adults is a pyrethrin(sp. ?) class insecticide.It will kill any insect that comes in contact with it.Neem oil is worthless against a adult squash bug. Comes down to choice-its your call.

7/22/2013 4:03:48 PM

Santa Rosa, CA.

Garlic Barrier could be the solution. I've never used it but have been told it works. Keep the bugs out of the patch and you won't have to spray insecticide.

7/22/2013 4:48:37 PM

Omaha, Ne.

I was wondering what the pumpkin farmers are using around here? Don't they use the same chemicals to stop SVB and others bugs? So how could my 1000sqf compare to the acres that they spray? How could this even be a valid threat?. We have had plenty of pumpkins and apples for years and years.

7/22/2013 5:18:32 PM

Muddy Waters

stop using your cell phone there killing the bees also

7/22/2013 10:02:18 PM