WHO KNEW It’s Work Trying to Avoid NEONICOTINOIDS?

Neonicotinoids are a type of insecticide used to treat plants in order to control pests by over-stimulating their nerve cells, leading to paralysis and death.

Imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and clothianidin are 3 commonly used neonicotinoids. The insecticide is passed to honey bees, native bees, and insects that feed on the plant’s roots, stems, leaves, flowers, pollen or fruit.

Seeds treated with these insecticides include more than 140 crops including virtually all corn, soy, wheat and canola planted in the US. <https://foe.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/legacy/GardenersBewareReport_2014.pdf>

Neonicotinoids are considered partly responsible for the occurrence of colony collapse disorder syndrome in honeybees. They also affect bird populations by reducing available insects to feed their young. <https://abcbirds.org/news/2023-neonic-report/#:~:text=Neonics%20also%20reduce%20birds'%20food,neonics%20enter%20the%20surrounding%20ecosystem>

Because of the serious, adverse effects to bees, birds, and insects, ten states, including Vermont, have partial bans on the use of these chemicals. Some states ban household and lawn care company use. The EU is way ahead of the US by banning usage in all outdoor areas, including agricultural use, allowing only enclosed greenhouses touse neonicotinoids.

To avoid bringing home plants treated with neonicotinoids, check plant tags and speak with garden center staff to make sure your plants and other products you buy for your garden are neonicotinoid free. Once a plant has been treated with neonicotinoids, the insecticide remains active for the life of the plant.

Studies link neonicotinoids to problems with human health, as well. Possible issues may include muscle tremors, lower testosterone levels, altered insulin regulation and changes to fat metabolism. <https://www.nrdc.org/stories/neonicotinoids-101-effects-humans-and-bees>.

To avoid ingesting neonicotinoids, buy organic fruits and vegetables, as they should be neonicotinoid free. The Co-op and other grocery stores sell pasta and wheat products from Italy and France, where the EU has outlawed the use of these pesticides. Organic wheat products made in the US are also probably not treated.