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 of honey samples from around the world has shown that 75% of all honey contains at least one neonicotinoid. Neonicotinoids are a new type of insecticide chemically related to nicotine. These insecticides are popular because of their water solubility, which makes them suitable 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 contained neonicotinoid concentrations harmful to bees. Other studies have shown that neonicotinoids can have a negative effect on bees, impairing brain function and immunity and lowering their chances of survival during winter. They could also threaten the queen, who is key to bee reproduction.
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 for crops that attract bees, and a decision on whether a permanent ban is needed will be made in November. France already banned its use two years ago, but this study shows it may be too late.
Find out more at Nature.com.
Want something even more in-depth? Read the whole study at Science.org
