Wildlife Welfare

Bees and Neonicotinoid Pesticides: Welfare and Colony Health

Neonicotinoid pesticides have been linked to honey bee and bumblebee colony decline through sub-lethal effects on navigation, memory, reproduction and immune function.

Key Facts

Neonicotinoids are systemic insecticides that persist in plant tissues including pollen and nectar
Sub-lethal exposure impairs bee navigation, reducing foraging efficiency and homing success
Colony-level effects include reduced queen production, smaller colonies and higher winter mortality
The EU banned outdoor use of three neonicotinoids in 2018 based on bee risk assessments
Emergency authorisations for banned neonicotinoids have been granted repeatedly in some EU countries

Welfare Considerations

Neonicotinoid exposure causes chronic welfare harm at the individual bee level through impaired cognition and foraging ability, and at the colony level through reproductive failure and collapse. This welfare harm extends to the wild pollinator community beyond honey bees. The balance between pest control needs and pollinator welfare remains politically contested.

What You Can Do

Avoid using neonicotinoid-containing pesticides in your garden
Plant pesticide-free, pollen-rich flowers for pollinators
Support campaigns for stronger restrictions on neonicotinoid use
Buy organic produce where possible to reduce neonicotinoid demand