This page is constantly being updated, and should not be considered exhaustive. If you use “pesticides” (i.e. any insecticides, herbicides or fungicides) it is recommended doing an internet search on the active ingredients and seeing if they are toxic to bees. This list is a guide only, and does not change your obligation to use chemicals in a safe and proper manner as per the manufacturer’s specifications and local laws and rules. 

“Pesticides”

I try to refrain from using the term “pesticide” as it is a slightly Orwellian euphemism for insecticides, fungicides or herbicides which hides the scope of their function. It is fairly rare to find an insecticide which only kills one type of insect, and applying an insecticide to target one type of insect can also kill or incapacitate other insects. Keep in mind that the term “bees” covers approximately 20,000 species of insect (not just the famous Honeybee) and wiping out even a small number of these species can have carry on effects to local plants which rely on those bees as a source of pollination. Continue reading →