Bee populations are on a rapid decline nationwide, and the major contributor is a class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids. These neurotoxic pesticides are applied as a spray, seed coating, and soil treatment. The most harmful to our bees and other pollinators is the seed coating, because the plant absorbs it into every tissue as it grows and metabolizes it into even more toxic compounds within its tissues.
The main point of contact between pollinators and plants is the nectar and pollen they produce. Because of the high sugar and fat content of these materials, neonicotinoids tend to concentrate within these. Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators get an intense dose of an already potent neurotoxin every time they visit any flower of a treated plant. Symptoms of exposure include disorientation, reduction of flight capabilities, and eventual death.
What can Lexington do?
As a certified bee city and home to the great Lexington Bee Co, Lexington already does so much good for the bees! Lexington is also ahead in the realm of landscaping, planting pollinator-friendly gardens loaded with native perennials and other plants like milkweed and purple coneflower. To go the extra mile, Lexington can urge Governor Healey to support S587, a bill that would ban these neonicotinoid seed coatings in Massachusetts. Donations and petition signatures are always deeply appreciated, and go a long way to save the bees!
Lexington, the choice is clear. Do we continue supporting agricultural practices that are actively harmful to our most important insect friends, or do we get these poisons out of our croplands and save the bees? The choice is yours.