Life, Interrupted

No one can say for sure that neonicotinoids alone are causing bees to die off--many more studies have to be done. But the EPA would do well to err on the side of caution for the beekeepers who are rapidly losing their bees. Tom Theobald, for example, saw his smallest honey crop in 35 years of beekeeping, and Hackenberg claims that he has talked to beekeepers across the country who have lost up to 90% of their output this year.

Is it really worth waiting to find out what happens if the EPA doesn't take neonicotinoids off the market? There isn't time to waste. Clothiandin has a half-life of 19 years in heavy soils favored by farmers.

http://www.fastcompany.com/1709815/why-has-the-epa-allowed-a-bee-killing-pesticide-to-stay-on-the-market

http://www.fastcompany.com/1709448/interview-with-a-bee-leaker-beekeeper-tom-theobald-discusses-the-epas-bee-toxic-pesticide-co

http://www.fastcompany.com/1708896/wiki-bee-leaks-epa-document-reveals-agency-knowingly-allowed-use-of-bee-toxic-pesticide

A fast and dirty history about neonicotinoids:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neonicotinoid

Personally, I am very careful about nicotine. It's a dangerous poison, used straight up, and right now my system doesn't like eating nightshade family. Tobacco smoke triggers migraines in me. So -- sympathy with bees, and also concern. Bees pollinate over 1/3 of our fruits and veggies. Without independent beekeepers, we'd be up the proverbial creek without a paddle.

And -- Clothiandin has a half-life of 19 years in heavy soils favored by farmers.