Some researchers say that neonicotinoids, a kind of pesticide, are responsible for killing bees. It is still an ongoing issue that needs to be addressed, especially in Ontario.
Dan Charles from npr.org says that there is an ongoing debate between environmentalists and farmers particularly concerning the chemicals in neonicotinoids. The government is asking farmers to check if they really need the pesticide. The experiment is involved in a mass killing of bees last 2012.
Ontario pushed for a law in 2015 wherein the use of neonics should be cut by 80 percent. Farmers cannot use the neonic-coated seeds unless it is absolutely needed.
It appears that the word “need” can be interpreted in a lot of ways.
Cut Down On Bee-Killing Pesticides? Ontario Finds It’s Easier Said Than Done
Nobody loves pesticides, exactly. But one kind of pesticide, called neonicotinoids, is provoking a particularly bitter debate right now between environmentalists and farmers. The chemicals are highly toxic to bees. Some scientists think they are partly to blame for the decline in pollinators.Read more…
A previous report from producer.com author Karen Briere says that the Ontario Beekeepers’ Association requested for an independent examination of long-term exposure. The rate of bee deaths is continually growing and the government should take action soon in order to stop this trend.
The vice-president of the association, Andre Flys, says that the threat from pesticides has not changed or lessened. The reports of bee deaths in the province have continued at the same pace. This is alarming.
Pesticides still threaten pollinators: Ont. beekeepers
The OBA wants an independent panel of bee health experts to oversee the reviews of all systemic pesticides. Pesticide makers have pushed new systemics into the market after neonicotinoids and others were restricted. Read more…
An even closer report from Simon Martin associated with thestar.com says that Ontario beekeeper James Murray is pretty much convinced that insecticides caused the death of his bees. He lost a total of 17 hives from the insect killers. That’s not the devastating part.
It affected his entire livelihood as this simply means he lost a lot of money.
The beekeeper asked a bee inspector to examine the mass deaths. Samples were taken and analyzed – Murray believes that the neonicotinoids are responsible.
Insecticides blamed for mass bee deaths
Murray and beekeepers across Ontario have fallen on difficult times in recent years. According to the province, in the winter of 2013-2014, bee deaths in Ontario reached a staggering 58 per cent. The generally accepted level by those who care for and breed bees is 15 per cent. Read more…
These reports are just proof that there is a need to take a look into this problem. Bee-keepers are greatly affected by this, and most of them are losing business. It’s not only about profit; it’s also about protecting the environment and these insects.
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