What effect do pesticides have on animals/insect pollinated plants when they kill helpful insects?
Pesticides are currently major causes of pollinator decline. If pollinators are killed plants have to be hand pollinated or don`t bear fruits. “When a pesticide is applied, pollinators foraging during the time or soon after, are poisoned through direct absorption, drinking tainted nectar, or gathering pollen covered in pesticide. Low doses of pesticides also have negative effects. Bees that have been exposed to low doses of pesticides have been seen exhibiting agitated or aggressive behavior and may have difficulty navigating or flying. Additionally, exposure to pesticides may have negative impacts on egg laying. Often times deaths due to pesticide application can be avoided or minimized by following the label application directions and recommendations (Reference: The Minnesota Honey Bee Battle In Pesticides and You, Spring 2006).” http://nbii.gov/portal/server.pt
