Tybee Island, Ga. – (October 4, 2018) In May, earlier this year, there was a problem, still of indeterminate nature, which resulted in the death of a large number of bees and damage to hives on Tybee Island. The City is continuing to address the matter and is exploring steps to promote a vibrant bee population on the island. The City is investigating the use of different organic methods for both weed and ant control.
The Tybee Island Department of Public Works is currently using natural weed and ant control solutions rather than pesticides and continues to explore methods of natural controls.
In addition, a pollinator garden has been planted at Jaycee park, and landscaping around the fire station will be replaced with pollinator plantings to promote our population of beneficial insects.
The City is also working with its insurance coverage group to try possibly to assist in mitigating losses to the extent warranted, if investigation shows it would be appropriate to do so. The unfortunate loss of bees was unexpected by the City as it relies on those educated in the field in matters relating to treatments. The Department of Agriculture analyzed samples relating to the incident in June and has released a report which is available on the City’s web site and is attached. The interpretation of the findings is best left to the Department.