Pesticides Killing Bees

In many countries, honeybees are being killed by pesticides called neonicotinoids. These pesticides are less harmful on insects and mammals that benefit the ecosystem than older chemicals. Though they are helpful, neonicotinoids are killing off honeybees. All across Europe, conservation groups are trying to ban the use of these chemicals, but farmers will be affected in a bad way if that happens. Scientists decided to study if the pesticides were actually causing the death of the bees. The neonicotinoids poison insects by binding to receptors, but they might be disrupting a bee's ability to gather pollen. Some scientists don't believe these pesticides affect bees, but David Goulson, a bee researcher, has done major studies and is certain they do. Other researchers who don't think neonicotinoids are directly responsible for the rising honeybee deaths think the pesticide can lead to bees being more susceptible to parasites.

NOS Themes:

Science is subject to debate – Some scientists believe the pesticide harms bees and others don’t.

Science is based on evidence – The researchers did tests to conclude their opinions.

Role of chance – there may be other factors contributing to the deaths of bees.