How Pest Control Companies and the Public Can Collaboratively Support Bee Populations
- Laura Blakemore
- Jul 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 6
How a Small Pest Control Company Can Contribute to a Big Difference
The Issue
As you may have heard, pollinating insects, especially bees, are in decline. Thirty-five species of UK bees are under threat of extinction. What we do, eat, and grow has an impact.
As a pest control service, we have a small but significant front-row seat in the life of pollinating insects, specifically bees and wasps. To quote the uncle of one famous bug (Spiderman), "With great power comes great responsibility."
This is something that pest control companies have had to wake up to.
Yes, we kill insects.
No, we do not like to.
Yes, we understand the risks of stinging insects.
No, we do not want to impact the environment with our pesticide use.
Yes, there will always be a need for pest control, and there is a need now more than ever for responsibility.
The Reasons
The world has changed very rapidly. Green spaces are being built on nationwide in favour of accommodating a growing population. Struggling farmers have sold land that once included meadows and woodlands that supported wildlife. Pesticide use is taking its toll both domestically and agriculturally, and suburban gardens are no longer the abundant habitats they once were.
The Solutions
This does not mean pest control has to stop. Pest control companies and the public must adapt in a rapidly changing world. Simply put, no bees, no us.
This can be done with the customer's choice in a responsible and reputable pest control company. It can be achieved with a careful and well-managed approach in every situation. Responsible methods, regular training, and public awareness are essential.
Additionally, sowing wildflowers that support pollinators is vital. Designing your garden with the right trees, shrubs, and flowers can also support pollinators. Education and informed choices about what we buy, eat, plant, and do are crucial.
Products have been removed from the professional market in recent years to further support the environment and reduce the damage being done. This forces the pest control industry to use risk hierarchies on every job and take practical methods more seriously.
We want to do our part. As a small family business, we may not have the impact or power for the level of change that larger companies have. However, we recognise that every action we take and every interaction with a customer is a small step towards what is right for pollinators and the environment as a whole. After all, big achievements are a series of small consistent steps.
Our Impact
As a pest control company, we have begun to do the following:
1. Help Customers Identify Pests
We assist customers in identifying pests over the phone and provide online resources for further support.
This saves money spent on fuel.
Less emissions are created driving to and from a job.
It saves the customer money on a potential ‘wasted’ call-out charge.
It helps prevent a potentially harmless bee nest from being eradicated if it is not a risk or causing harm to anybody.
2. Provide Wildflower Seeds
We give our customers a small token of wildflower seeds to spread in their garden or community as a gesture of goodwill for employing our services.
By using pesticides, we feel we have a duty to do our small part for the environment to counteract the impact we have.
It supports wildlife for pollinating insects such as bees, butterflies, and birds.
It brings awareness to our customers about the choices they make in the companies they request services from, and we hope it makes them feel good too.
It makes people's gardens and communities prettier, brighter, and more biodiverse.
It's an excuse to get out, walk your dog, sprinkle some seeds, make an impact, love, and be proud of your community.
3. Reduce Pesticide Use
We reduce our pesticide use where necessary, risk assess every situation, and give customers as much information as possible to make informed decisions about their pest issues.
Our Family's Contributions
As a family, we have begun to do the following:
1. Plant Pollinator-Friendly Plants
We plant trees, flowers, and shrubs in our garden that support pollinating insects and birds.
It encourages bees, butterflies, and other pollinators to visit the garden, pollinating the plants and contributing to the balance of a successfully growing garden.
It makes your garden look pretty and full of life.
It teaches children to look after something, respect the environment, and be responsible.
We have planted lots of lavender, honeysuckle, buddleja (butterfly bush), cabbage tree, hollyhock, roses, chives, borage, coneflowers, and wisteria.
2. Use Pesticide-Free Alternatives
We use pesticide-free alternatives and low-impact or organic pesticides in our garden, such as diatomaceous earth.
3. Buy Organic Food
We buy organic food whenever possible (we know...it's pricey!).
By buying organic, you support farmers that use fewer pesticides and more bee-friendly practices.
Farms that grow organic have 30% more biodiversity.
4. Provide Water Sources
We provide water sources, such as bird baths with stones to prevent pollinators from drowning, and we place a cover on our children’s swimming pool. If you don't have a cover, a simple fitted bedsheet can work wonders over a small paddling pool or a flat sheet over a larger one.
More Tips to Attract Wildlife to Your Garden
Leave the weeds in your lawn. Weeds like dandelions are also a food source. Do not mow your lawns until May.
Leave bark or old wood lying around your garden. Some old tree trunks don’t look out of place, like this one in our garden; we made use of this cut-down tree from a neighbour.
Do not overspray or remove too many greenflies. We all want beautiful roses, but ultimately they feed ladybirds and pollinators such as wasps, bees, and birds.
Create a bug hotel. Place pieces of old wood and moss inside as materials.
Use bird feeders and bird baths, and remember to keep them clean from bacteria.
Create shelter by planting trees in your garden to provide safety for small birds from larger predators.
If you are ever in doubt about the right thing to do when it comes to bees, always call us for advice. We are always happy to discuss your situation and help you make an informed choice.
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