New restrictions in Massachusetts on bee-killing pesticides will help keep our pollinators safe

March 26, 2021

Too many bees are dying, but Massachusetts is taking action to change that by protecting our pollinators from dangerous pesticides.

On March 1, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ subcommittee on pesticides approved restrictions on a class of bee-killing pesticides called neonicotinoids, or “neonics.”

Bee populations are declining at an alarming rate — in April 2018, Massachusetts beekeepers reported a 64.9 percent annual loss in colony numbers. Research shows that neonics play a significant role in bee die-offs. By prohibiting the unlicensed use of neonics on lawns, turf, trees, shrubs and gardens, Massachusetts will become a leader in prioritizing pollinators over toxic, unnecessary pesticides.

“This is good news and an important step forward toward our ultimate goal of significantly curtailing the use of bee-killing neonics,” said MASSPIRG Legislative Director Deirdre Cummings. “We need to protect our bees — so much of the food we eat has been pollinated by these incredible little insects.”