Study Links Pesticide Use with Declines in Wild Bee Populations

A study published by University of Southern California researchers in Nature Sustainability shows a strong correlation between pesticide use and declining sightings of wild bees, with appearances of some species dropping as much as 56% in areas of high pesticide use compared to areas with no pesticide use. Using more than 200,000 unique observations of over 1,000 species, researchers correlated factors such as land use, pesticide application, honeybee colony presence, and types of agricultural crops with wild bee sightings over the past two to three decades. The results suggest a direct link between pesticide exposure and bee population declines. The researchers view their findings as compelling evidence that alternative pest control strategies, such as integrated pest management, are essential for conserving these crucial pollinators.
Related ATTRA publication: Alternative Pollinators: Native Bees