> Recently, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) responded to a request from Thurston County Commissioners regarding the use of neonicotinoids in urban areas by unlicensed pesticide applicators. The concern of Thurston County is the impact of over use of neonicotinoids in urban areas and the potential effect they may have on honey bees and other pollinators. 

> The WSDA has opted to not move forward with new rule making on the use of neonicotinoids at this time, primarily due to the lack of data on the urban use of these products and their impact on the pollinators; and the uncertainty about singling out any variable as the definitive cause of the decline of honey bees and native pollinators.

> For now the best means of minimizing any adverse effects may be in increasing awareness of the potential through educational forums and via the product label.

from:
Neonicotinoid Pesticides and Bees

Timothy Lawrence, PhD. Director, Washington State University Extension - Island County
Walter S. Sheppard, PhD Department of Entomology. Washington State University 

http://lewiscountybeekeepers.org/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/Neonicotinoid_Pesticides_and_Bees-Final.195203124.pdf

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