I find bees fascinating, and more news is popping up about them, so here’s more information on what’s happening in their world!
Recent testing on honey samples from across the globe have shown that 75% of all honey contains at least one type of neonicotinoid. Neonicotinoids are a new type of insecticide, which is related chemically to nicotine. These insecticides are popular because of their solubility in water, which makes them desirable for use on soil and plants.
The study showed that 3% of samples showed one neonicotinoid, 45% contained two or more, and 10% contained four or five. Also, 34% of the honey samples were found to have concentrations of neonicotinoids that were harmful to bees. Other studies have shown that neonicotinoids can have a negative effect on bees, impairing brain function, immunity, and lowering their chance of survival during winter. They could also threaten the queen, who is key to the reproduction of bees.
The study showed that the highest levels of neonicotinoids were found in North America (8%), Asia (80%) and Europe (79%).
The use of neonicotinoids was temporarily banned in the EU on crops which attract bees, and it will be decided in November if a permanent ban is needed. France already banned its use two years ago, but this study shows it may be too late.
Find out more at EurekAlert.organd Nature.com.
Want something even more in-depth? Read the whole study at Science.org
