Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: yor_on on 23/04/2012 00:24:07

Title: Do pesticides make bees lose their way?
Post by: yor_on on 23/04/2012 00:24:07
Maybe?

Pesticides and bees. (http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/bre82s12p-us-pesticides-bees/)
Title: Re: Do pesticides make bees lose their way?
Post by: CliffordK on 23/04/2012 08:09:19
Thanks for the link. 

I have noticed that bumble bees and honey bees don't always like the same flowers.  For example the bumblebees seemed to have a preference for my azaleas, while the honeybees preferred the apple and fruit trees.  So, we need the variety of bee species.

I understand the need to sell worm-free apples in stores.  But, there is a point where we need to consider how much pesticide & herbicide usage is actually necessary.  Are other controls possible?

It really bothered me in St. Louis when I'd be out for an evening walk, and the bug spray truck would come whizzing around the corner spraying me!!!  The bugs never bothered me.  The bug spray trucks did.
Title: Re: Do pesticides make bees lose their way?
Post by: Don_1 on 23/04/2012 14:20:30
These neonicotinoid insecticides have for some time been suggested as a contributory factor in bee problems. Looks like this is good evidence to back up the suggestion.

I think the UK government put up £10m for research into CCD. Money well spent, for a change!