Last summer, Jen’s neighbor sprayed the exterior of her house to get rid of a spider infestation. By the next morning, the spiders had shuffled off this mortal coil (RIP). We can safely assume that spraying for those spiders also affected the birds that fed on them, as well as bees, butterflies, other pollinators, the health of any humans in contact with the insecticide, and more. It made us think about how siloed our collective thinking has gotten.
Many of us observe a problem – like mosquitoes buzzing around – and we quickly reach for whatever product promises to shut the problem down. Though we’re no supporters of mosquito bites, this automatic response is catalyzing a ripple effect throughout the whole ecosystem.
When we spray DEET and other such chemicals, it doesn’t just keep mozzies away from us; it hangs around, wreaking havoc on our health and our environment. Ecosystems are built on interconnection. It’s impossible to isolate a part of it without affecting several other parts.
Spraying also affects our natural waterways. We are proud of our Great Lakes, but we need to protect them. Insecticides, like those used to give spiders an all-expenses-paid trip to the great beyond, wash off into nearby water sources during rain or watering. When they reach natural bodies of water, they harm fish and amphibians.
Algae and small organisms are significantly impaired by the runoff, too. Imbalance ripples through our precious ecosystems in these rivers, lakes and streams. Around the Great Lakes State, we often see inland lakes being “treated” for an algal bloom. We see signs that it’s not safe for swimming until the next day.
If it isn’t safe for humans, how can it be safe for the organisms and critters living in and around the lake? What is this doing for the ecosystem? …Is it really safe to swim in after just twenty-four hours? There is undoubtedly another way to bring balance to the lake that doesn’t have such a harmful impact.
How can we bring this curiosity to our own landscapes? Jen has been observing that her Pearly Everlasting (Anaphalis margaritacea) is being munched on. Her reaction has been, “Look! The caterpillars have been feasting.” Though it may not be aesthetically pleasing, nature is doing what it’s designed to do, and she gets to be a little part of that puzzle.
If you’ve gotten this far and you still want to spray your garden for pests, then consider doing it differently. Spraying during a certain time in the day may be better than others, like in the evening or nighttime when pollinators are less active. You can also learn about when they breed and when they migrate.
Let’s keep learning about how to be stewards of the earth, facilitating food, habitat and other resources for the critters. Embrace being a habitat gardener (read about it here!).
Until next thyme,
My Thyme Gardens