If you’ve seen neonics in the news lately, you know that there’s a debate raging on the connection neonics might have with the health of honeybees and native bees that pollinate so many of our food and ornamental crops. Neonics — that’s short for neonicotinoids. And neonicotinoid — well, this mouthful of a word is short for something, too.
“Neo” means new; but you already knew that. And “nicontinoid” — look twice and you might see the family resemblance. Because thanks to that “-oid” at the end, nicontinoid means resembling nicotine.
Nicotine has been used as an insecticide for centuries; neonicotinoids, for about 15 years. Because neonics are so effective; because they have relatively low toxicity — when used correctly — to many nontarget organisms (that’s anything but the insects on the label), these pesticides have become increasingly popular. But that “used correctly” part — that’s the stickler.
Growers and homeowners both need to understand complex ecological interactions to be sure they’re not harming honeybees, bumblebees, and all the native bee pollinators when they apply neonicotinoids — or any pesticide. Unlike growers, who must be licensed to apply pesticides, homeowners are not. Some studies suggest that the homeowner use of pesticides has a greater ecological cost than use by qualified applicators.
What does this mean to you? Whoever you are, whatever you do — do the bees a favor. If you’re going to use pesticides, educate yourself. Call Cooperative Extension in your county to find out what you need to know.
And if you buy that insecticide, follow the label instructions. Because — the label is the law.
Want more activities to help maintain our native pollinators? Check out this pdf — Wild Pollinators of Eastern Apple Orchards — an 11-page booklet that applies to other crops as well.