Which type of pesticide is known to pose a greater risk to pollinators?

Neonicotinoids are a class of systemic insecticides that act on the central nervous system of insects, and they are particularly well-known for their harmful effects on pollinators such as bees. These chemicals mimic the action of nicotine, binding to specific receptors in the nervous system that can disrupt normal neural function. Because neonicotinoids are highly effective at controlling a wide range of pests, they are widely used in agriculture, but their persistence in the environment and uptake by plants means that they can be present in pollen and nectar, directly exposing pollinators.

This increased exposure contributes to negative effects on bee populations, including impaired foraging behavior, reduced reproductive success, and increased susceptibility to diseases. Studies have shown that even low levels of neonicotinoids can have sub-lethal effects on bees, making them a significant concern for pollinator health.

In contrast, while pyrethroids are also toxic to insects, they typically have a shorter residual activity in the environment. Herbicides primarily target plant growth and don't directly affect insect populations. Insect growth regulators are designed to control insect populations by disrupting their development, but they usually have a lower impact on adult pollinator health compared to neonicotinoids.