April 27th, 2018 by Chris Chapman

The European Union has announced a ban on some of the world’s most popular pesticides in an effort to protect bees. By the end of 2018, all pesticides containing neonicotinoids won’t be permitted to be used outdoors, meaning any gardener or farmer who grows plants outside of a closed greenhouse will be affected. The world's honey supplies have been affected by these pesticides Recent studies have shown that neonicotinoids – a nerve agent that’s commonly used in pesticides – can soak into soil and water and harm wild bees that pollinate flowering plants. The studies also showed that neonicotinoids have begun to contaminate global honey supplies, leading the EU to announce the new restrictions.

What Are Neonicotinoids?

Neonicotinoids are a type of nerve agent used in a range of common pesticides. They attack the brains of insects, leading to brain damage and death.

Why Do Neonicotinoids Affect Bees So Badly?

When bees digest pollen from a flower that’s been treated with neonicotinoid pesticide, it gives them a buzz similar to the one humans get from nicotine. This means bees are more attracted to flowers containing neonicotinoids even though it can kill them. As a result, neonicotinoids have drastically reduced the populations of bees and flying insects.

What Does the Pesticide Ban Mean for You?

Thousands of crop farmers will now need to find a new method of pest control If you want to grow plants or exterminate pests anywhere outside of a closed greenhouse, you will no longer be allowed to use any pest control method that contains neonicotinoids. Whether you’re a gardening hobbyist or a farmer, this is a sweeping ban that will affect you. If you currently use a pesticide that contains Acetamiprid, Clothianidin, Dinotefuran, Imidacloprid, Nitenpyram, Thiacloprid or Thiamethoxam (check the list of ingredients on the label), you will no longer be able to use it outdoors by the end of the year. The EU is allowing up to one year for countries to legally enforce the new regulations, meaning companies are free to sell old stock until this point. However, production of neonicotinoid pesticides will likely dramatically reduce as manufacturers adjust to the much smaller demand, meaning that even if you want to use your pesticide inside a greenhouse, it’s advisable to start looking for alternatives.

Neonicotinoid Alternatives and Pest Control Solutions

  Pyrethrum is a natural alternative to neonicotinoids Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide that contains organic ingredients and is much more environmentally friendly. If you’re growing plants and crops, pyrethrum is now one of your best options for a legal way to control pests such as aphids, whitefly, thrips, caterpillars and other larvae. As it’s much less toxic and totally biodegradable, pyrethrum is a natural and effective alternative to neonicotinoid pesticides. For domestic pest controls, none of our range of pest control products use neonicotinoids and they won’t be affected by the new regulation. For more advice on pesticides and other pest control methods, please call our experts on 0800 091 3171 or use the live chat function on HSDonline.co.uk.