Additionally, Tim Lawrence sent me this:

Summary Position on Neonicotinods 2/19/2016

Neonicotinoids (neonics) are an important class of pesticides which are far less toxic than many of the previously used types of agricultural chemicals including organophosphates, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and carbamates. Currently neonics represent more than 25% of pesticide usage globally. Their systemic nature reduces the total amount of the product that needs to be applied which diminishes their overall impact on the environment. Unfortunately, the systemic nature of neonics can be detrimental to honey bees and other pollinators. Neonics are found in nectar, pollen and other plant secretions and have been shown to cause sub-lethal effects in honey bees laboratory settings. However, under field conditions bees have a diversity of flowers to choose from, and not all plants have been exposed to neonicotinoids.

The US EPA has found that levels of exposure of 25 ppb is considered the threshold for no observable adverse effect concentration (NOAEC) for bees. In a study published in the Journal of Economic Entomology in January of 2016, we used a much more conservative NOAEC of 5 ppb. We sampled 149 apiaries throughout the State of Washington in urban, rural, and agricultural landscapes, that included hobbyist, sideliner and commercial beekeeping operations.  We found no risk to bees sampled in the urban and rural areas, and very low risk for bees in agricultural landscapes. 

It is our position, based on the current body of knowledge, that restricting the use of neonicotinoids will have limited to no impact on the decline of honey bees in Washington State. The preponderance of evidence and the experience of many commercial beekeepers suggests the decline of honey bees is due primarily to the Varroa mite and the loss of bee habitat. The most appropriate and effective strategy toward reducing the impact on honey bees and other pollinators is through educational programs about the harm all pesticides can cause bees if applied improperly, and to encourage farmers and the public to protect bee habitat and to plant more flowers. 

Timothy Lawrence & Walter Sheppard – Washington State University

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