The bee issue has received a tremendous amount of media attention recently. There have been several reports in 2012 and 2013 that honey bee numbers are declining and pollination practices are being threatened. Many media reports have been suggesting that pesticides, specifically neonicotinoid insecticides, are the main threat to honey bees and bee decline. In particular, dust from seed treatments with neonicotinoid products have been implicated in some of these reports. Without taking the time to dig deeper into the issue, the general public might believe that pesticides are causing bee decline. To make things worse, special interest groups like the Sierra Club, an organization that has lobbied hard for pesticide bans for many years, have done their best to make this a pesticide issue in an effort to further their agenda.

The fact of the matter is that most scientists believe that colony losses are the result of multiple causes, with no single factor solely responsible. Among the most significant factors identified are pests, parasites, nutrition and pathogens. Pesticides are included in the list but considered a small contributor in comparison to other factors. There is no scientific evidence that the agricultural use of neonicotinoids is responsible for colony decline. In a recent comprehensive assessment of the major factors contributing to honey bee decline, particular recognition was given to the impact of parasites, especially the Varroa mite, and associated diseases on bee health. [Source: National Stakeholders Conference on Honey Bee Health Report, May 2, 2013, published by the USDA and EPA]

The provincial government is taking steps to restrict the use of pesticides, but it's stopping short of an outright ban. Proposed revisions to the Integrated Pest Management Regulation (IPMR) have been unveiled. The changes will tighten up control of the sale and use of pesticides on private property. Read more...