Systemic fertilizer / insecticide harmful to butterflies,bees and hummingbirds?

Question

I asked this question earlier and I know the fertizer in the product is not harmful but what about the insecticide in it? Since it is adsorbed through the roots of the plant... The product says not to use on plants intended for food, so what about the nector in the flowers that the hummers and butterflies are after? I've searched the web and called nurseries...cant find what I'm looking for. Does anyone know where I could find out? thanks.

Answer 1

Ask your local University Extension Office. I asked a similar question of the Univerity of Illinois Extension office relative to imidacloprid (Bayer Adavanced Rose & Shrub). I too was concerned for the pollinators. What I was told is that the imidacloprid moleculed is too large to fit through the sieve cells that lead to the flower and, therefore, would not be present in the pollen produced by roses. But, this may not be true for every plant. Ask about the specific plants that you intend to use the fert/pesticide.

Answer 2

If it says not to use on plants intended for food, the insecticide is absorbed through all of the plant. It will affect any insect or bird that feeds on the plant. Birds are very sensitive to insecticides.