In these challenging times, even watching bumblebees busily collecting pollen can be an anxiety-producing experience.
Incredibly, two types of bumblebee in Massachusetts are suddenly on the list of endangered species and another bumblebee species is headed for threatened status. (“Bald eagle doing better, but bees shoot up endangered list,” Gazette, Aug. 17).
One of the main reasons for the precipitous and alarming decline of bumblebees, honey bees and other pollinators is the use of pesticides. One of the most deadly to insects are neonicotinoids (neonics). A recent study has found that farmers’ increased use of neonics has made U.S. agriculture nearly 50 times more deadly to insects than a mere 25 years ago! And of course, this doesn’t count the use of neonics by landscapers, plant nurseries and home gardeners.
Glyphosate, the key ingredient in the herbicide Roundup, the most widely used herbicide/pesticide ever, is also implicated in the alarming decline in pollinators, especially honeybees. Glyphosate sickens honeybees by disrupting their gut bacteria. Research shows glyphosate has a similar effect on the gut microbiomes of mammals, including humans. Glyphosate also adversely affects bees’ ability to find their way back to their hives, contributing to colony collapse.
The National Agricultural Statistic Service reported in 2017 that honeybees had declined by half in just the previous decade! Humans depend on pollinators for much of the food we eat, and clearly our food sources will be imperiled if the decline in pollinators isn’t addressed.
Banning synthetic pesticides as quickly as possible would be a giant step in the right direction. We must find our way back to safe, sustainable organic agricultural practices if we are to leave a healthy, livable planet for future generations.
Darcy Sweeney
Florence