Over Usage and Toxicity to BeesPesticides such as neonicotinoids mainly affect the queen bees, gradually reducing the reproductive rate in hives. Clothianidin is a neonicotinoid (a class of insecticides chemically similar to nicotine) and is considered one of the most toxic pesticides to bees available. Clothianidin is in Toxicity Category III, only classified as a "'not likely' human carcinogen" according to US EPA fact sheet on insecticides. Clothianidin use is increasing across the US despite the threat it poses to bees.
Nectar |
Neonicotinoids dissolve in water, and easily make their way into waterways via agricultural runoff...Flowers miles away from a farm can take up the chemicals, which seep into the stems, leaves, pollen and nectar.” |
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The pesticide use is affecting the bees by poisoning their food source: nectar.