Common misconceptions about pollinators can get in the way of our understanding and, therefore, our ability to support them.

Though wind and water serve as pollinators, animals pollinate more than 75 percent of plants in temperate regions such as Pennsylvania.

Understanding pollinating beings and our impact on them goes a long way toward protecting them.

Here are some common misbeliefs about pollinators.

Myth: Pollinators are only important because they provide food for humans.

You may have heard that pollinators are responsible for one of every three bites of food we eat. True, but it’s not the only reason we should care about pollinators.

Pollination ensures the continuation of food crops and the perpetuation of many flowering plants, which are vital to life on Earth.

Myth: Honeybees are the only pollinators that we should support.

Honeybees were imported from Europe to make honey and pollinate food crops. They are important pollinators because they can fly long distances and are generalists.

There are approximately 400 native bee species in Pennsylvania that are intrinsically linked to the pollination of native plants.

Though honeybees have suffered population decreases in recent years because of habitat loss, pesticides, and disease, these factors can also impact native bees.

Myth: Bees and butterflies are the only insects that pollinate.

Bees’ bodies are the best suited to collect and move pollen since they use it to feed their young.

Butterflies are pollinator favorites because of their beauty, and they act as pollinators when foraging for nectar.

You may not know that many flies are effective pollinators as they visit flowers to feed on pollen and nectar.

Beetles also play a role in pollinating plants they have evolved with, such as tulip trees, and plants that produce clusters of small flowers, such as goldenrod and sunflowers.

Myth: Organic pesticides will not hurt pollinating insects.

Though they may not be as hard on humans and pets, natural or organic pesticides are formulated to kill insects that come in contact with them. Avoiding pesticides is the best way to protect pollinators.

If pesticides are necessary, make sure to read the label to find out what insects will be affected and for how long after application.

Myth: You need to buy bee and butterfly houses to support them.

Most of us will never become beekeepers, so you may be relieved that most bees do not live in hives like honeybees do.

Almost all native bees are solitary, meaning they do not live in colonies but nest singly, in the ground, in debris, and in cavities.

We can aid pollinating insects by leaving leaf litter and stems in place over the winter so that they have shelter.

Myth: You need to buy feeders for pollinators.

The best food for pollinating insects and hummingbirds, which are also pollinators, are native plants that bloom from early spring through late fall.

A variety of bloom shapes and configurations is important, as is planting in drifts so pollinators can identify their preferred targets.

Native plants have co-evolved with native pollinating insects, so they provide the best support. As generalists, honeybees will also benefit from the pollen and nectar of native plants.

Though not exactly in the myth category, calling a plant a “pollinator” is incorrect.

The pollinator is the creature or agent that moves pollen, not the plant that provides it.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613