I have not seen one honeybee all spring. You may be aware that honeybee hives have been suffering from a syndrome known as “colony collapse” in which entire hives are wiped out in a short period of time. Over 90% of the honeybee population has died off in some areas. The reason is unclear; cell phones have even been considered as a culprit.
The latest issue (July/August 2011) of Sierra, published by the Sierra Club, discusses a more likely cause for the decline, a class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids, and no, I don’t know how to pronounce it. The pesticide kills insects by disrupting their nervous systems. Most pesticides are applied to the leaves of plants, but this one is applied to the seeds and becomes infused throughout the entire plant, including its nectar and pollen.
France banned this type of pesticide in 1999, followed by Germany and Italy. Sierra reports that Italy had its first healthy bee season in ten years after the pesticide was banned.
The E.P.A. has refused to ban the pesticide in the U.S. The director of the pesticide program says he is unaware of any data that demonstrates that the pesticide is a problem for honeybees. And they continue to die.
Things are always darkest just before they go pitch black.
--Kelly Robinson
As a question. What is neonicotinoids used for and by whom??
ReplyDeleteHow do we get action to ban its use??
Personalty I have seen a lack of pollination the past several years with my trees and blueberries.
If this continues there will be mass shortages of fruit, etc. Also, have not seen a honey bee for years.