This phenomenon, called colonial collapse, results in a record number of dead bees in the world, and scientists point to the neonicotinoid pesticides as culprits. In doing so, France has become the first country in the world to ban all five pesticides that are thought to kill bees on Earth.
First, the European Union has banned these three pesticides: clothianidine, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam. However, France goes a step further and bans thiacloprid and acetamipride in all agricultural activities, including glasshouses.
These pesticides (neonicotinoids) in the structure are similar to nicotine and first appeared in the 90s of the last century, and they attack the nervous system of insects. They are sprayed on plants, where bees most often move and directly inhale the dust.
Researchers say that neonicotinoids are also responsible for the smaller number of sperm in bees, which means that the reproduction rate is also reduced. Other studies show that chemicals hamper the memory and skills for building homes, so instead of bringing honey, they leaving the honeycomb and never return back.
The latest researches show that many bees become addicts of toxic chemicals and are looking for more pesticides.
The link between pesticides and the decline in the population of bees causes enormous concern over the effects it has on our diet. Plants, flowers and the trees will not grow without the pollenization of the bees. Some farmers who have registered a huge decline in the bee population have significantly lower farm contributions.
While environmentalists and beekeepers hail France’s decision to ban pesticides, some farmers are unhappy because they can not be competitive on the market unless they protect the plants with pesticides. They think there is not enough evidence for such a dramatic move.
Elimination of pesticides raises the issue by which they will be replaced and what potential problems might arise from the use of substitute solutions. We hope that in the near future, following the example of France, all other countries will make this significant move, and thus contribute to the survival of these beautiful insects.
Source: healthyfoodhouse.com