Abstract: Pollinators in the superfamily Apoidea are a nontarget group of primary concern and their numbers continue to broadly decline in North America. Aerial adulticides used per EPA regulations are designed to minimize nontarget impacts on pollinators with special attention given to honeybees (Apis mellifera). The importance of native pollinators (i.e., other bees of the family Apidae, or families Colletidae, Halictidae, and Megachilidae) has led to growing scientific and public attention, cementing the need for further research. The project described here trials methods for mosquito control agencies to efficiently and effectively monitor how pollinator populations respond to the aerial application of adulticide products. To accomplish this goal, Blue Vane Traps (BVTs) were set weekly at 14 sites served by the Manatee County Mosquito Control District (MCMCD) to selectively sample hymenopteran pollinators beginning in June of 2022. Collected bees were counted and identified to the lowest possible taxa, a minimum of genus. Samples were compared against the timing and spray blocks of helicopter adulticide missions in a before-after control-impact (BACI) design. These data were additionally compared against pre and post mosquito samples to ensure the effectiveness of missions. Data analyzed to-date include 15 species of bee across nine genera and impact reports for both malathion and deltamethrin products. Though preliminary, results detect no plausible effect of MCMCD’s aerial adulticide program on local pollinator populations. This research may be of operational use to other agencies interested in monitoring nontarget effects of aerial missions and will serve to further establish trust with an environmentally conscious public.
