Funded partly by Bayer and Syngenta, the research showed that honeybees are less likely to survive the following winter after application and wild bees demonstrate lower reproductive rates after exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides. The level of exposure and harm was also found to be different across countries and bee species.

In the study, researchers planted three different plots of oilseed rape (canola) throughout the UK, Germany, and Hungary. They were each treated with typical field-level amounts of different pesticides: one with clothianidin, a neonic, another with thiamethoxam, another neonic, as well as an untreated control plot. Researchers then brought in honeybee colonies, as well as two other wild bee colonies: bumblebees and red mason bees. After the flowering season, the scientists were able to examine the nests to analyze bee behavior, chemical levels, and population rates. For honeybees, both negative (Hungary and United Kingdom) and positive (Germany) effects were found during crop flowering. In Hungary, negative effects on honeybees persisted over winter and caused a 24% decline in colony size. For wild bees, reproduction was negatively correlated with neonicotinoid residues. Essentially, this indicates that neonicotinoids hinder the survival rate and establishment of new colonies in the years following exposure.

As bees are essential to human survival, these new studies are extremely worrisome in respect to global food security. By continuing to allow and use these synthetic pesticides, we are putting our future at risk. Instead, we must shift our mindset and use natural, organic alternatives, like neem-based pesticides that pose no risk to the bee population. Beekeepers are even using neem to eliminate and prevent mites in hives. For a sustainable future, the neem tree holds the solution.

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What are neonicotinoids? They are a type of synthetic chemical that poisons the whole plant system. Predominately altering the vascular system of the plant, these toxic chemicals have been found to harm bees and other pollinators due to residue in the pollen, nectar, and dew drops. Shown to be highly resilient, these chemicals have a half-life of up to 15 years. The European Commission has been extremely concerned over the past decade, even limiting neonicotinoid use due to its link with decreasing pollinator habitats. They have even introduced a proposal to completely ban these pesticides across commercial agriculture in Europe. Canada has also proposed a ban on a type of these chemicals, imidacloprids, because it is becoming increasingly clear that its use is not sustainable for the environment at the present rate of use. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) agree that pesticides harm bees, but have only changed pesticide labels so they better protect bees by being clearer in their directions for application.

While some US agencies not taking the immense scientific evidence into account when determining environmental policies, many corporations have decided to listen to and protect consumers and the environment. In April 2015, Lowe’s announced they would phase out neonics over the next two years. Home Depot made the same announcement in 2016, and Aldi supermarkets was the first European retailer to ban pesticides shown to be toxic to bees that same year. In 2016, Scotts Miracle Gro, a major pesticide manufacturer, also declared the immediate phasing out of neonicotinoid pesticides from its products. Now, Walmart and True Value are joining in the fight against neonics. They will begin to stop selling these dangerous pesticides starting in May 2017.

Fortunately, there are many other natural options that consumers can use. Beyond Pesticides, a nonprofit that promotes the safe switch to a world free of synthetic pesticides, released an online toolkit called The Well Stocked Hardware Store. This has  helped lead consumers to environmentally friendly pesticides they could use for their personal needs. Neem oil is listed as an effective insecticide and fungicide, two applications for which neem is extremely viable.

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