Demise of bees identified

A reduction in the number of farmland birds in some European countries is being attributed to insecticides which are also claimed to have caused massive bee deaths globally, according to new research.

Ireland has seen a decline in such birds since the 1970s — probably mirroring a 40% drop across Europe — with loss of habitat and intensive farming being blamed. Increased use of pesticides has also been recognised as a factor in the bird decline. But, research demonstrates for the knock-on effects to other species of insecticides known to harm bees. This follows a previous finding that food production is threatened.

A two-year, EU ban on three insecticides — known as neonicotinoids — began at the end of 2013, but the suspected knock-on effects on other species have not been shown until recently. Unlike other pesticides these chemicals penetrate leaves, roots and stems, as well as pollen and nectar.