European pesticide ban good for bees, but not their salvation yet

Ban on neonicotinoids

The ban on the toxic pesticides neonicotinoids in agriculture in the EU is good news for bees. "A step in the right direction," says researcher Romée van der Zee. On the other hand, the agricultural sector is not amused. They argue that it is actually bad for the environment.

More threats to bees

The ban is also not a holy grail, van der Zee immediately tempers expectations. The honeybee, along with various species of solitary bees, is threatened not only by pesticides, she explains. The insects are also affected by the parasite varroa mite, and the length (as well as minimum and maximum temperatures) of the season and climate change play a significant role.