Our bees are in trouble. Global bee populations have been falling for quite a while now at an alarming rate. And this is much more serious than just a lack of honey – bees pollinate a huge amount of our plants, fruit and vegetables. If they disappeared completely, it’s safe to say that our everyday lives would be dramatically affected.
Read more: The Weird & Wonderful World of Giant Vegetables
So what is causing this decline? There are various factors, including climate change and disease, but one of the biggest causes (and one that’s caused by us humans) is neonics, a pesticide used on crops that’s incredibly harmful to bees. This infographic looks at what neonics are, how they’re use, the effects they have on bees, and some of the alternatives. Have a read and learn about how these pesticides are killing our bees.
And if you see a little bee icon, click on it for some more information about bees and neonics.
how they’re killing our bees?
What are neonics?
Neonics (neonicotinoids) are a type of nicotine-based pesticide used to control a variety of pests. They’re also very harmful to bees.
Neonics have been linked to:
- 40% of US bee colonies have suffered Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD)
- 90% decline in number of colonies per hectare since 1962
- 40% increase in winter colony losses
Neonics can be used in:
- Seed coating
- Soil drench
- Sprayed onto crop foliage
They are a systemic pesticide (absorbed by all parts of the plant including pollen and nectar).
Some neonics are at least 5,000 – 10,000 times more toxic to bees than DDT pesticides.
94% of neonics used pollute soil and water
5% go into crops
1% released as toxic dust
Neonics are used in:
- Seed treatments for cereals and sugar beet
- Soil treatments for pot plants
- Treatment for turf
- Foliar sprays on apples, pears and other crops
Up to 70% of ‘bee-friendly’ plants sold at garden centres have been shown to contain neonics.
Neonics affect the central nervous system of insects causing excitation of the nerves leading to eventual paralysis and death.
They affect:
- Foraging behaviour
- Communication
- Homing ability
- Immune system
- Breeding
- Memory
What would happen if bees became extinct?
75% of our crops would suffer some decrease in productivity. Most affected includes oranges, apples, blueberries, cucumbers, watermelon, pumpkins, avocados and onions.
$265bn – Estimated global economic benefit of pollination
90% of wild plants require pollination to reproduce
Alternatives to neonics
- Crop rotation
- Encourage natural enemies of pests
- Use biological products or pesticides that are less harmful to bees
- Trap cropping
Have your say on bees and neonics below in the comments, or get in touch on Facebook or Twitter.