Bug sprays can kill birds -- and other things you should know before using pesticides

Plus: Thoughts on the ice cube method for watering orchids

Hi, guys!

I’m feeling pretty awful at the moment. Last week, I saw my neighbor liberally applying a “bug control” product to his plants with a hose-end sprayer. I asked why he was doing that since his plants looked healthy and not at all infested, and he said he wanted to kill mosquitoes and other bugs.

I tried to explain that the pesticide will also kill beneficial insects, like bees, butterflies, caterpillars and fireflies — but he wasn’t having it. I tried to explain the harmful effects the product could have on other wildlife. No dice. So, I tried to explain that without insects, his plants wouldn’t get pollinated.

He said, “That’s fine, no flowers, no mosquitoes,” and laughed as he continued on his way, spraying every living plant on his property. My heart sank.

This exchange troubled me for the rest of the day, especially since our houses are close, and I’ve worked hard to encourage a thriving ecosystem of flying, buzzing friends in the garden.