I sent an email to my go-to local nursery, and received a very prompt and informative response regarding their pest/insecticide policies. It was encouraging to hear that this is something they bring up often at their employee meetings and that they practice integrated pest management (IPM). First line of defense is soap, followed by (not in order) pyrethrum, neem, B.T., and rarely nicotine sulphate. Only organics on anything edible. The owner is a former beekeeper so is very cognizant of current bee issues. They also patronize local wholesalers and, per the nursery owner, the PNW does not have as much of a problem with pests in general as warmer climes. I have long felt it was worth the extra price to buy from a reputable nursery rather than box stores, and this reinforces my thoughts.
@springcolor, this is our own Christianson's, email response was direct from John C.
I'm fairly certain a similar request to Lowe's, Home Depot, or the like would result in simply a blank stare...whah?? Last time I was at Lowe's (for building supplies) I ventured into their nursery looking for some gladioli - mistake. The garden guy basically threw his hands in the air and admitted he was totally clueless about anything having to do with plants - he was simply there to ring up sales.
