Bee Smart: Avoid Honeybee-Killing Pesticide

I just had to write about this news that sheds light on the probable cause of massive honeybee die-off and hive collapse. Given that we are entering Memorial Day weekend, a traditional garden planting time, the article might stop the buying any of these pesticides and save some bees!

You may have heard of the massive honeybee colony collapses threatening the world’s food supply and one that has worried farmers everywhere. Up to 70 percent of honeybees have disappeared, and many hives have died off completely.

Ninety-nine percent of bees in a die-off in Germany carried pesticides of the neonicotinoid family, and Germany has now banned these pesticides from being used. France banned them in 1995 because of their toxicity to bees.

Neonicotinoid pesticides are a synthetic version of nicotine. They are applied systemically to the plant and is highly neurotoxic to insects. All of these pesticides are classified for general use. Imidacloprid was first registered for use in the U.S. in 1992 and is possibly the most widely used insecticide of the group. It, and Thiamethoxam, are highly toxic to honeybees.

Neonicotinoid pesticides are commonly available as dusts, granules, seed dressings, soluble concentrates, and suspension concentrates. Brands include Assail®, Tristar®, Acetamiprid®; and for Imidacloprid, Admire®, Advantage®, Gaucho®, Merit®, Premise®, Touchstone®; and for Thiamethoxam Cruiser® and Platinum®.

Read more: Nature, Lawns & Gardens

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Bob P.

7:42AM PDT on May 21, 2012

thanks

send a green star

Winn A.

11:46AM PDT on May 16, 2012

Thanks for sharing.

Duane B.

7:28AM PDT on May 8, 2012

Thank you for sharing.

Danuta W.

1:59AM PDT on Apr 26, 2012

Sally R.

4:34PM PDT on Apr 24, 2012

Sold as 'Confidor' in Australia to the home gardener.

Donna H.

10:12AM PDT on Apr 23, 2012

Thanks for the info.

KS G.

5:34AM PDT on Apr 23, 2012

Thanks for the article.

Richard T.

4:53PM PDT on Apr 22, 2012

Thank you!

David N.

1:47PM PDT on Apr 22, 2012

The chemical companies fail to understand the important role of biodiversity and natural systems. Maybe this is because they only profit from selling their "poisons." We all need to stop buying their harmful products.

Sue M.

11:10AM PDT on Apr 22, 2012