http://www.care2.com/greenliving/bee-smart-avoid-honeybee-killing-pesticide.html
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®.
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add your comment »May is almost over and I have not seen any wild honeybees here in East Kentucky. I believe that radio waves are disorienting to bees and this is something that is so powerful I think we are in huge denial.
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If you need help creating a butterfly garden & more info on how you can help check out this great link:
www.monarchwatch.org
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Thank you for writing this. I am deathly allergic to bees but have planted my garden with many bee beneficial plants because I know how important they are. I have found a new respect for them as they are no longer attracted to me, but the food sources I have planted for them. they especially love my numerous Lavender plants. I hope that more people start to do this & realize how big of a crisis this is. Butterflies also desperately need our help & are dying off in record numbers because of pesticide use. Plant plenty of Milkweed for breeding & red, yellow, orange & purple nectar producing flowers for them to eat & be conscience of what you use for pests. Creating a garden that attracts bees, butterflies, lady bugs & spiders will naturally decrease your pest problem while feeding these wonderful & necessary beauties!
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