BY ASHVIK RAO*
Spring brings warmer days and blossoming landscapes. Regrettably, it also brings a surge of marketing materials from mosquito control companies promoting chemical sprays.
Reflect upon the past: fireflies once illuminated our backyards in abundance. Today, observing even a few is a rarity. A significant factor in their decline is the widespread use of mosquito control sprays containing pyrethrins. These broad-spectrum insecticides target not only mosquitoes but also beneficial insects such as bees and fireflies. Pyrethrins work by affecting the nervous systems of insects, leading to paralysis and death. Additionally, these chemicals can infiltrate the soil and contaminate groundwater, posing serious risks to aquatic life such as fish (“Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids”).
Among all the affected insects, pollinators—especially bees—are the most vital to our ecosystem and food system. Bees alone pollinate approximately 80% of flowering plants and more than 130 varieties of fruits and vegetables. Their efforts are not only essential for the reproduction of these plants but also to produce the food we rely on daily. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Pollinators provide humans with one out of every three bites of food we eat, cotton to make clothing and other items we depend on, and habitats and food for countless other animals” (“Protecting Pollinators”). Without pollinators, entire food chains can collapse—starting with reduced agricultural yields, higher food prices, and ultimately, fewer food choices on our tables.
The importance of pollinators extends far beyond agriculture. They are a cornerstone of biodiversity, supporting plant species that provide habitats, food, and shelter for countless other organisms. When bee populations decline, ecosystems unravel. The ripple effects are immense. A survey by Project Apis m. showed that commercial beekeepers across the United States experienced a loss of 60% of their bees. The loss of these crucial pollinators could amount to an economic impact of $635 million across the U.S. (Leasca). This is not just an ecological crisis—it is an economic one as well.
Of course, many households turn to mosquito sprays out of legitimate concern for health and safety. Mosquitoes are known vectors of diseases such as West Nile virus, Zika, and dengue, and avoiding bites is a reasonable priority—especially for families with young children or immunocompromised individuals. The discomfort of mosquito bites and the potential risk of illness understandably drive the popularity of chemical solutions.
However, there are safer and equally effective alternatives to address these concerns without compromising the health of our ecosystems. Natural methods such as planting citronella grass, lavender, marigolds, basil, and rosemary can help deter mosquitoes naturally. These plants are not only beautiful additions to gardens, but their scents also mask the human odors that attract mosquitoes.
In addition, simple environmental management can drastically reduce mosquito populations. Eliminating stagnant water—in birdbaths, gutters, flower pots, and puddles—removes mosquitoes’ breeding grounds. Installing fine mesh screens, using non-toxic mosquito traps, and running outdoor fans can also help protect homes and patios.
We should encourage our families, friends, and neighbors to reconsider chemical mosquito control services. Though these services may offer short-term comfort, they come at the long-term expense of our pollinators, our food systems, and our environment.
By protecting pollinators, we protect ourselves. Their survival is directly linked to our own well-being, economy, and ecological stability. With thoughtful alternatives, we can balance both health and environmental responsibility. Let us work together to restore the balance of nature—and bring back the bees and fireflies that once lit up our summer evenings.
Wishing everyone a healthy and environmentally mindful spring and summer of 2025.
* Ashvik is a rising junior at Lambert High School, Suwanee GA.
