Neonicotinoids: A Threat to Bees
Imagine a world without bees. No buzzing around flowers, no sweet honey to enjoy, and no pollination of fruits and vegetables. It’s a scary thought, but it’s a real possibility if we don’t take action to protect bees from neonicotinoids.
What are Neonicotinoids?
Neonicotinoids are a type of pesticide that is used to kill insects. They are similar to nicotine, which is a natural insecticide found in tobacco plants. Neonicotinoids are often used to protect crops from pests, but they can also harm bees and other beneficial insects.
How Neonicotinoids Harm Bees
Neonicotinoids work by blocking certain nerve signals in insects. This can lead to paralysis and death. Bees are particularly sensitive to neonicotinoids because they are exposed to them through the pollen and nectar of treated plants.
Even small amounts of neonicotinoids can harm bees. Studies have shown that exposure to neonicotinoids can interfere with honeybee reproduction, navigation, and foraging abilities.
The Dangers of Neonicotinoids to Pollinators
Bees are essential pollinators for many plants, including fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Without bees, our food supply would be severely impacted.
Neonicotinoids pose a serious threat to bees and other pollinators. Studies have shown that neonicotinoids can kill bees outright, or weaken them to the point where they are more susceptible to disease or parasites.
What Can We Do?
There are a number of things we can do to help protect bees from neonicotinoids:
- Buy organic produce. Organic produce is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, including neonicotinoids.
- Choose less toxic pesticides. If you must use pesticides, choose products that are less toxic to bees.
- Support beekeepers. Beekeepers are working hard to protect bees from neonicotinoids and other threats. You can support their efforts by buying local honey and beeswax products.
- Plant bee-friendly flowers. Bees are attracted to flowers that are blue, purple, yellow, or white. Plant these flowers in your garden to provide bees with a food source.
Alternatives to Neonicotinoids
There are a number of alternatives to neonicotinoids that are less harmful to bees. These alternatives include:
- Insecticidal soap
- Neem oil
- Beneficial insects
How to Identify and Avoid Neonicotinoid-Treated Plants
Neonicotinoids are often used to treat plants at nurseries and garden centers. To avoid buying neonicotinoid-treated plants, look for the following label information:
- EPA Registration Number: This number will start with the letters “EPA Reg. No.” followed by a series of numbers.
- Active Ingredients: Neonicotinoids will be listed as one of the active ingredients on the label.
If you are unsure whether or not a plant has been treated with neonicotinoids, ask a nursery employee for help.
Conclusion
Neonicotinoids are a serious threat to bees and other pollinators. By taking action to reduce our use of neonicotinoids, we can help to protect these important insects and ensure the future of our food supply.
