BY ANNELIESE MOLL
For the UAS Whalesong

For years, scientists have been reporting that there are decreases in pollinators on a global scale. That presents problems, such as a decrease in biodiversity and food security. Last year, a study was published that identified a group of pesticides called neonicotinoid to be a heavy player in the downfall of bees (Botías et al 2015). Other potential players in their decline are climate change, loss of habitat, and disease. Unfortunately, this group of pesticides are some of the most commonly used on crops. In a study conducted on European honeybees, researchers found that they are being exposed to up to 57 different pesticides (Kiljanek et al 2016). However, not only are the crops on the farms being covered with it, but wildflowers on those farms are also sources of exposure.  Continue reading “Bees and Pesticides”