Two Tidewater Master Naturalists, Meg French and Frank Walker, were featured prominently in a front page article in a Virginian Pilot newspaper article written by Stacy Parker and published on July 16, 2015.

French was concerned about the mosquito spraying in her neighborhood and how it would affect her native garden buzzing with bees and other beneficial insects. The article draws attention to the option for Virginia Beach residents to opt out of the city spraying by registering with the city. Red tags are placed in front of homes so the truck driver can turn off the spray in those locations. The program is gaining in popularity.

Walker pointed out that bees that are still out when the truck goes by can be affected by the pesticide.

Everyone can help to control mosquitoes by clearing drains, dumping out water that has accumulated in their yard, and encouraging animals that feed on the pests, such as bats.

Kudos to Meg and Frank for helping to educate the public about pollinators and other beneficial insects!