In the spring humans go through great lengths trying to have the “perfect” lawn. However, have you stopped to consider how imperfect perfection is, and what harm it is doing to the environment? By covering lawns and gardens in pesticides and other chemicals there are longterm consequences on honey bees and dogs! 

There are multiple ways honey bees can be killed by pesticides used on lawns and gardens. One is direct contact with the chemicals while the bee is foraging for pollen. The honey bee immediately dies and does not return to the hive. Another and more deadly way is the bee comes in contact with a pesticide and inadvertently brings it back to the hive, either as contaminated pollen or on its body. Overtime this poison can build up in their food source, and cause large scale death and even the collapse of the entire honey bee colony. 

The same dangers also hold true for dogs. Dogs obviously don’t purposely collect pollen. Yet when dogs play on and roll around in a lawn treated in pesticides, or explore a garden covered in insecticides, they are picking up whatever residues remain on the grass and flowers from chemical treatments. Those chemicals on the fur, paws and toys are then easily ingested from something as simple as a lick, or by carrying a tennis ball that rolled through the grass. In addition, because dogs are close to the ground, they are more likely to inhale toxic fumes. 

Also just like bees can accidentally bring these toxins home, dogs can easily track these chemicals into their homes where it is ground into carpeting, on furniture, and other places that dogs like to hang out. Because pesticides break down fastest when exposed to sunlight and water, they can linger indoors for years. In fact, according to the Pesticide Education Center, indoor levels of pesticides can rise much higher than outside levels, thus increasing dogs’ exposure to these toxins. 

Now unlike honey bees, it is rare that a dog will suddenly drop dead from exposure to these chemicals. However, exposure can cause symptoms such as skin rashes, nausea and vomiting, eye irritations, and respiratory problems. In addition, numerous studies have shown a connection between cancer in dogs and the prolonged exposure to pesticides used on lawns and gardens. Studies have also shown the dangers of lawn chemicals on wildlife as well.

So you have to ask yourself, just how “healthy” is that perfect, weed-free lawn? Dandelions, clover and many other “weeds” provide important nutrients to honey bees. Also dogs don’t care if there is crabgrass where they are playing. Isn’t it about time we redefine what a perfect lawn should look like? For more information on ways you can have a healthier lawn, while helping pollinators and protecting dogs, we recommend visiting “No Mow May, Low Mow Spring,” at beecityusa.org.