11 - Not the Bees: Three years of nontarget research in three minutes

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

1:45 PM – 3:15 PM AST

Location: Ballroom A

Abstract: Pollinators in the superfamily Apoidea are a nontarget group of primary concern for the ecosystem services they provide. Mosquito adulticides, like all pesticides, carry the risk of adversely impacting nontarget species. EPA regulations are designed to minimize impacts on honeybees (Apis melifera), but there is a lack of data on other pollinators. Recent focus on the ecological importance of wild bees (e.g., nondomestic species of the family Apidae, or families Colletidae, Halictidae, and Megachilidae) has led to growing scientific and public attention, cementing the need for further research. Manatee County Mosquito Control used Blue Vane Traps to monitor wild bee populations during foraging seasons from 2022 to 2024. Samples of bees were collected, counted, identified to species. Data were analyzed for any impact of aerial adulticide missions on bee abundance or diversity within the treatment area. This research may be of operational use to other agencies interested in monitoring nontarget effects of aerial missions and will serve to further establish trust with an environmentally conscious public.

Presenter(s)

JH

Jacob D. Hart, B.S.

Manatee County Mosquito Control, Florida, United States

Co-Author(s)

KH

Katie Hare, MSc

Senior Biologist
Manatee County Mosquito Control District, Florida, United States
CL

Christopher Lesser

Director
Manatee County Mosquito District, Florida, United States