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Neonicotinoid Pesticides Banned by Bunnings and the EU

Bunnings announced in 2018 that pesticides based on neonicotinoids would be phased out by the end of 2018. On April 27, 2018, the European Union banned the use of the three neonicotinoids on open ground. This is an expansion of the moratorium introduced in 2013 on the use of these pesticides on flowering crops.

Usage of Pesticides

Seeds are often coated with pesticides to protect them from soil pests. The pesticide is absorbed when the seed germinates and then spreads through the plant as it grows, finding its way to the pollen and nectar. This is where the honey bees and native bees, as well as other pollinators, are exposed to the poison.

Pesticides based on Neonicotinoids

Neonicotinoids are believed to be part of the massive die-off of bees and other insects that has occurred in Europe in recent times. The three neonicotinoids banned on open grounds are thiamethoxam, clothianidin, and imidacloprid.

Neonicotinoid Pesticides Banned by Bunnings and EU due to harm to bees. — *Neonicotinoid Pesticides Banned by Bunnings and EU due to potential harm to bees.*

Study of neonicotinoid pesticides by York University

A study by York University in Canada showed that long term exposure to neonicotinoids resulted in a reduction in the health of bees whose hives were near the cornfields being studied. Simiarly, earlier studies have shown that large amounts of neonicotinoids in pollen and nectar are fatal to both honey bee queens and workers. Smaller amounts have been shown to reduce the health of bees by inhibiting the bee’s natural foraging as well as adversely affecting the bees' tolerance to other farm chemicals.

*Honey bee collecting pollen on corn in an agriculture field. Bees will collect pollen from corn, even though it is wind pollinated.*

Whilst other studies have produced mixed results, the situation for insects in Europe is now critical. The earth has survived without these pesticides for millions of years, but pollenating insects like bees are vital to life on earth. If you are buying pesticides for your garden, avoid those with thiamethoxam, clothianidin, or imidacloprid in the ingredients. It is not worth the risk to vital pollinating insects.

Fortunately, the retailer Bunnings has already decided to remove neonicotinoid pesticides from their shelves by the end of 2018 as a precaution. If you are a gardener or a landscaper working in garden maintenance, review your pesticide use and avoid thiamethoxam, clothianidin, or imidacloprid on open ground.

More recently, in the USA, Connecticut, Maryland, Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, and New Jersey have enacted laws limiting the use of neonicotinoid insecticides.