Pesticides and Neonicotinoids

As you are planting your gardens or flower beds, I wanted to give you a warning about pesticides. The use of Round Up to kill weeds could also be killing our pollinators. Plants are also now being treated with neonicotinoids, which is a pesticide to treat insects. The unfortunate thing about pesticides is they cannot differentiate between pests and beneficial insects. In a study done in 18 states, 51% of plants sold at Home Depot, Lowes, and Walmart were treated with neonicotinoids at levels that harm or kill bees. Home Depot is phasing out plants treated with neonicotinoids by 2018, and Lowe's by 2019. From what I've read, plants do not necessarily have to be labeled. If they are, I've enclosed a picture of what the label may look like. There are some websites that state the fears of neonicotinoids are nonsense, and there isn't enough "evidence" to support claims that pesticides do damage to bees and other pollinators. I can tell you I've spoken to enough beekeepers that have experienced Colony Collapse Disorder and dead bees (hundreds and thousands in front of the hive) to lead me to NEVER use anything that may damage our precious pollinators. Please shop wisely, ask questions, and help save our pollinators! (Heirloom seeds will be your best bet!)