Study Highlights Pesticide Threat to Ground-nesting Bees

A new study led by University of Ottawa scientist Sabrina Rondeau shows that more than 70% of wild bee species face significant risks from pesticide residues in soil. The study revealed that pesticide risk assessments based on honeybees fail to account for the vulnerability of ground-nesting bees to pesticide residue. This research showed that important crop pollinators, such as bumblebees and squash bees, experienced effects such as reduced reproductive success and survival and behavior changes. “Our work demonstrates that protecting wild pollinators requires a fundamental rethinking of how we assess pesticide safety,” Dr. Rondeau concludes. “It’s crucial for safeguarding both our food systems and biodiversity.”