I am writing to you out of concern for our neighborhood’s insects’ health and population. My wife and I live in North Guilford very close to Lake Quonnipaug. We have been avid gardeners for many years and our vegetables and flowers are doing well now, but we are concerned as pollination becomes crucial. We have seen a noticeable reduction in pollinators. That should be alarming to everyone, here in Guilford, and everywhere.

In short, we have received multiple unsolicited offers of tick and mosquito eradication treatments through the mail, and we urge our neighbors around Lake Quonnipaug, and throughout Guilford, to ignore and reject any use of pesticides. They are over used and over advertised. Pesticides inadvertently can and do harm insects and birds (they depend on insects to feed their hatchlings). Oh yes, and fish in this lake and many others throughout our state and New England, depend on a thriving and diverse insect population for food.

So, we encourage all of our neighbors, near and far, to stop using pesticides of any amount or variety, and to echo and amplify the message of caution about the use of pesticides. They are overused and under-regulated.

Sean Cosgrove

Guilford