Intercrops can mitigate pollen-mediated gene flow from transgenic cotton while simultaneously reducing pest densities.

•PGF from GM cotton declined as an exponential function of distance from source.•Buckwheat or sunflower intercrops diminished PGF by diverting pollinators.•Intercropping with buckwheat or sunflower reduced peak abundances of key pests.•Suitable intercrops could both constrain PGF and reduce specific pest densities.