The Bee's Knees

Backyard Bee Threats: How everyday bug‑repellent vapors can disrupt bumblebees


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A common household mosquito repellent may be silently harming the bees in your garden. Dr. Kimmo Kaakinen shares his study on how volatilized prallethrin—used in household vaporizers and portable mosquito repellers—impairs bumblebees' ability to navigate home. We learn why a 20-minute exposure can reduce homing success from 37% to just 5% and what this means for colony survival. Learn how understanding these threats gives us real power to make a difference for wild bees.



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The Bee's KneesBy Jacy Meyer