Thanks for sharing this, Xanda. The introduction of virtually any new species within a given ecosphere may create disruptions. However, I think a bigger question remains: to what extent are neonicotinoids used in Ireland. These chemicals are known to be killing off all sorts of bees, and I suspect the carpenter bee will not be immune to their toxic effects.
Absolutely Lenny.This is a summary of a study I found done in 2021: Researchers from Trinity and Dublin City University discovered neonicotinoid pesticide residues in Irish honey. Neonicotinoids, widely used insecticides, are systemic pesticides that integrate into plants, affecting their nectar and pollen. Although their use is restricted in the EU due to risks to bees, they were still approved in Ireland for some crops during the study.
Key findings include:
70% of 30 tested honey samples contained at least one neonicotinoid.
Almost half (48%) contained at least two types.
Neonicotinoids were detected across various land uses, indicating exposure risks in both agricultural and urban environments.
While residue levels were below EU limits for human consumption, the concentration of imidacloprid was noted to be higher than levels known to adversely affect honey and bumble bees. Dr. Saorla Kavanagh expressed concern, stating, “Given that these compounds have been shown to have adverse effects on honey bees, wild bees, and other organisms, their detection in honey is of concern, and potential contamination routes should be explored further.”
Professor Jane Stout emphasized the broader risk, stating, “These results suggest that bees and other beneficial insects are at risk of exposure to contaminants in their food across a range of managed habitats – not just in agricultural settings.” She added that prolonged exposure to low levels of toxins could lead to effects that are not fully understood.
Dr. Blánaid White noted the global prevalence of neonicotinoids in honey, stating, “It’s reassuring that residues do not exceed safe levels, but it is an important warning that neonicotinoids should not be reintroduced into Irish environments, as they could potentially cause health or environmental concerns.”
Funding for the study came from the Irish Research Council, with honey samples donated by beekeepers across Ireland.
Please understand that I "like" your well-researched, documented reply. I am profoundly troubled by the data it reports and the likely long-term trajectory if we don't liberate ourselves from these dreadful toxins!
Thanks for sharing this, Xanda. The introduction of virtually any new species within a given ecosphere may create disruptions. However, I think a bigger question remains: to what extent are neonicotinoids used in Ireland. These chemicals are known to be killing off all sorts of bees, and I suspect the carpenter bee will not be immune to their toxic effects.
Absolutely Lenny.This is a summary of a study I found done in 2021: Researchers from Trinity and Dublin City University discovered neonicotinoid pesticide residues in Irish honey. Neonicotinoids, widely used insecticides, are systemic pesticides that integrate into plants, affecting their nectar and pollen. Although their use is restricted in the EU due to risks to bees, they were still approved in Ireland for some crops during the study.
Key findings include:
70% of 30 tested honey samples contained at least one neonicotinoid.
Almost half (48%) contained at least two types.
Neonicotinoids were detected across various land uses, indicating exposure risks in both agricultural and urban environments.
While residue levels were below EU limits for human consumption, the concentration of imidacloprid was noted to be higher than levels known to adversely affect honey and bumble bees. Dr. Saorla Kavanagh expressed concern, stating, “Given that these compounds have been shown to have adverse effects on honey bees, wild bees, and other organisms, their detection in honey is of concern, and potential contamination routes should be explored further.”
Professor Jane Stout emphasized the broader risk, stating, “These results suggest that bees and other beneficial insects are at risk of exposure to contaminants in their food across a range of managed habitats – not just in agricultural settings.” She added that prolonged exposure to low levels of toxins could lead to effects that are not fully understood.
Dr. Blánaid White noted the global prevalence of neonicotinoids in honey, stating, “It’s reassuring that residues do not exceed safe levels, but it is an important warning that neonicotinoids should not be reintroduced into Irish environments, as they could potentially cause health or environmental concerns.”
Funding for the study came from the Irish Research Council, with honey samples donated by beekeepers across Ireland.
Please understand that I "like" your well-researched, documented reply. I am profoundly troubled by the data it reports and the likely long-term trajectory if we don't liberate ourselves from these dreadful toxins!