decline of bee population

Neonicotinoid pesticides continue to cause the decline of bee population in the U.S

(NaturalNews) In the most recent news about neonicotinoid pesticides, it
was reported that European countries have already decided to ban the
continuous use of the pesticides because of the presented scientific
evidences showing that they continue to endanger bees. Corporate farms
in the U.S.; however, continue to ignore the petition associated to the
banning of the pesticides filed and presented by the Center for Food Safety. This is said to lead to the continuous decline of the bee population all over the U.S.


What are neonicotinoid pesticides?

Neonicotinoids
refer to a group of insecticides mainly composed of clothianidin,
imidacloprid, fipronil and theamethoxam. These are widely recognized as
nerve poisons or neurotoxins that are mainly designed to damage the
central nervous system of insects, thereby leading to paralysis and
death in the most serious cases. Among the insects targeted by these
pesticides are vine weevils, whitefly, termites, Colorado potato beetle
and aphids. Aside from being a major cause of death and paralysis to
insects, neonicotinoids are also capable of producing other symptoms not
only in target insects but other pests and living organisms as well,
including their interference with the navigation systems of the
organisms and damage their natural capability to groom.

While the
neonicotinoid pesticide is primarily designed as non-lethal when used
at low doses, it is water soluble and tends to stay in the soil for
several years. Its high level of persistency in both water and soil may
cause insects and other living organisms to be continuously exposed to
it. Its negative impact; however, takes place when it starts to target
not only the insects that are supposed to be deteriorated, but also
those pollinators and organisms that offer benefits to the environment.
These include not only bees but butterflies, hoverflies, moths and
aquatic invertebrates as well. The pesticides
also tend to negatively affect insect-eating birds, amphibians and bats
in an indirect manner. This leads to the banning of the use of
neonicotinoids in various countries including those in Europe.

Neonicotinoid pesticides and their role in the decline of bees in the U.S.

Last
year, scientists in the U.S. were puzzled and alarmed by the continued
decline in bee population not only in the different states of the U.S.
but also in other countries. But despite the evidence that shows how
damaging neonicotinoids
are to bees, the U.S. still ignores the petition of other authorized
and reputable bodies and agencies to ban or regulate the use of the
pesticide. European countries already have a tight regulation in place
when it comes to using neonicotinoids.

Based on the risk
assessment process which is being considered in the legislation of
European countries, the risks of the pesticide to honey bees are
examined in full detail. The governing bodies in Europe also continue to
consider all the damaging factors of the use of the pesticide to the bee population
including the methods used in applying them and their sub-lethal and
lethal effects. Several countries have also followed suit by making sure
that their use of neonicotinoids are banned and regulated not only in
crops, but in household products as well. This leads to more people
persuading the U.S. to be one with them in protecting nature's hardest
workers, the bees.

Source:-
http://www.naturalnews.com/039076_pesticides_bee_population_neonicotinoids.html