THE THREAT OF NEONICOTINOIDS

The Importance of Bees

• Bees are essential pollinators, responsible for the reproduction of over 75% of the world's flowering plants and crops.

• Without bees, many of the fruits, vegetables, and other food sources we rely on would not be able to thrive and reproduce.

• Bees play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of our ecosystems, supporting the growth and diversity of plant life.

• As beloved creatures that embody the beauty and wonder of nature, bees hold a special place in the hearts of many people.

• Conveying your personal connection to bees and your concern for their well-being can help to inspire your subscribers to take action.

The Threat of Neonicotinoids

• Neonicotinoids are a class of synthetic pesticides that have been widely used in agriculture and landscaping since the 1990s.

• These pesticides are designed to target the nervous systems of insects, but they have also been shown to have detrimental effects on bees and other pollinators and to a lesser extent, to humans.

• Neonicotinoids can disrupt the bees' ability to navigate, forage for food, and reproduce, leading to declining populations and colony collapse. I found this point the most disturbing of all.

• Scientific studies have consistently linked the use of neonicotinoids to the alarming decrease in bee populations observed around the world in recent decades.

• Highlighting the growing body of evidence and the scientific consensus on the harmful effects of neonicotinoids can help to convince your subscribers of the urgency of this issue.

What WE Can Do to Help

• Avoid using products containing neonicotinoids, such as certain insecticides, pesticides, and treated seeds, in your own garden or lawn.

• Opt for alternative, more natural pest control methods, such as integrated pest management (IPM) techniques, which focus on prevention and the use of targeted, non-toxic solutions.

• Choose organic or sustainably-grown produce and other agricultural products, as these are less likely to have been treated with harmful pesticides.

• Plant a diverse array of bee-friendly flowers, herbs, and other plants that can provide nectar and pollen sources for bees throughout the growing season.

• Support local beekeepers by purchasing honey, beeswax, and other bee-derived products from sustainable sources.

• Encourage your local government and elected officials to implement policies that restrict the use of neonicotinoids and promote more environmentally-friendly agricultural practices.

Spread the Word and Take Action

• Share this information with your friends, family, and community, and encourage them to also take steps to protect bees.

• Engage with organisations and initiatives dedicated to bee conservation, such as the Xerces Society, the National Pollinator Garden Network, or your local beekeeping associations.

• Write letters to your elected representatives, urging them to support legislation that restricts the use of neonicotinoids and promotes bee-friendly policies.

• Participate in citizen science projects, such as bee monitoring programs, to help contribute to the understanding and protection of bee populations.

• Volunteer your time or resources to support local beekeepers, community gardens, or other initiatives that benefit bees and other pollinators. This week I am hoping to meet a beekeeper in Cork, and at the end of the month I am attending a local beekeeping workshop. Let’s see what I learn.

Closing Thoughts

• I thank you for your attention if you got this far. Our individual commitment to this cause and taking action to protect bees is a really important activity for all of us.

• It is the collective efforts of individuals, communities, and policymakers are essential in reversing the decline of bee populations and ensuring a healthy, sustainable future for our planet.

• Do stay informed, engaged, and proactive by sharing any information you may have that can help bee conservation. These are actions that are meaningful and could have a lasting impact beneficial to all of us.

• Protecting bees, we are not only safeguarding the health of our ecosystems, but also ensuring the continued availability of the diverse and nutritious foods we all depend on. This is increasingly important for children who are still growing. Their long term health, including neglected brain health which is pervasive in western societies.

• End on a hopeful note, there are many initiatives and projects dear to me. I found them throughout my research and they can contribute in a big way to the positive changes we need to make. In so far as people coming together to address environmental challenges and support the natural world, (if you ever purchased a book in the beehive Secrets Series you already know about it) in a collaborative way the extent of which has never been seen before. The closest thing I can think of, is the return of Apollo 13 where the all world was wishing and accompanying the pilots ordeal. It was through television that people united with a common goal, and the results were simply wonderful. If you haven’t you can still have a sneak peak at what the project scope and capabilities to help the bee populations is. And it is marvellous. And yes, it is Paul Stamets. Bee sure to order your feeder when it is available. I can’t wait to be a part of this project. Over the last few years, he has helped more than I care to mention here, but here is one of his talks with I believe, presents real solutions to many other problem we face. I do wish people focused on what we already have at this moment that could make such a difference.

Here are some of the most common products containing neonicotinoids in the United States and Europe by (ChatGPT - so do your own research to be sure):

United States:

1. Insecticides:

   • Imidacloprid (e.g., Bayer Advanced, Merit)

   • Clothianidin (e.g., Poncho, Titan)

   • Thiamethoxam (e.g., Cruiser, Platinum)

   • Acetamiprid (e.g., TriStar, Assail)

   • Dinotefuran (e.g., Safari, Zylam)

2. Seed Treatments:

   • Corn

   • Soybeans

   • Wheat

   • Cotton

   • Canola

3. Lawn and Garden Products:

   • Grub control products

   • Outdoor insect sprays

   • Tree and shrub care products

Europe:

1. Insecticides:

   • Imidacloprid (e.g., Gaucho, Confidor)

   • Clothianidin (e.g., Poncho, Dantop)

   • Thiamethoxam (e.g., Cruiser, Actara)

   • Acetamiprid (e.g., Gazelle, Mostar)

   • Thiacloprid (e.g., Calypso, Biscaya)

2. Seed Treatments:

   • Cereals (e.g., wheat, barley)

   • Oilseed rape (canola)

   • Sugar beets

   • Corn (maize)

3. Horticultural and Ornamental Products:

   • Roses

   • Ornamental trees and shrubs

   • Fruits and vegetables

Additionally, I found the hopeful news that some countries in Europe have implemented partial or complete bans on certain neonicotinoid insecticides due to their negative impact on bees and other pollinators. There is also some research that talks about the low, but still impactful effect on human beings. More than ever, I feel that our plight is not only to avoid processed foods, but to also to take great care with what we can avoid putting into our bodies that can be detrimental to our health in the future. I am sure the accumulation of certain chemicals and metals in the body will have serious implications in our future if any of us was to fall ill. How much better would any of our recovery be if no additional elements/circumstances/compounds were included in our bodies natural ability to fight for balance?

I may continue to compile information. maybe next week I’ll talk more about the effects of neonicotinoid insecticides on humans. May as well know as much as possible so we can make informed decisions.

Until next time,

Bee well, 

Xanda