A test of 42 commonly used pesticides found seven that killed practically no bees, including the neonicotinoid acetamiprid and the weedkiller glyphosate, said the Entomological Society of America. In the study by scientists from USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and Mississippi State University, 26 pesticides, including neonicotinoids, organophosphates and pyrethroids killed nearly all the bees that came into contact with the pesticide sprays. The tests used a modified spray tower to simulate conditions in farm fields, a different approach than other studies that use artificial feeders or test active ingredients only.
The dramatic decline in honey bee populations in recent years has prompted suggestions that neonicotinoids be banned in the US. The European Union banned three neonicotinoids – thiamethoxam, imidacloprid and clothianidin – for two years as a step to protect bees and other crop pollinators. Now, the EU is deciding whether to extend the ban after it expires on Dec 1.
“The risk to honey bees can be reduced by selecting pesticides with lower toxicity in field applications,” said the Entomological Society in a release, “This study determined that a number of pesticides, including a neonicotinoid, showed little to no toxicity to bees, meaning they could be effective alternatives to organophosphates, carbamates, and other neonicotinoids.”