The government of the Brussels-Capital Region has introduced a ban on two chemicals reputed to cause massive death in bee populations. The neonicotinoids, illegal as of 1 March, are used in common pesticides.

Since the 1990s, neonicotinoids have been blamed for wiping out entire bee populations in some areas. The chemicals are systemic, which, according to a spokesperson from Brussels’ environment ministry, “means that as soon as they come in contact with the plant, they take over everything. They are then found in the leaves, roots, fruit and seeds, as well as in the pollen and nectar that pollinating insects collect.”

The chemicals then work on the central nervous system of the insect, the spokesperson said. Neonicotinoids have been blamed for Colony Collapse Disorder, where beekeepers suffer the loss of entire hive populations.

The disorder has been linked – albeit controversially – to reductions in the populations of other species sharing the bees’ habitat, such as field mice, birds, butterflies and bats.

“Given the risks they present to human health, as well as for the fauna and flora, and in particular for pollinating insects, I have taken a precautionary measure,” said environment minister Céline Fremault.

Warnings will be handed out to anyone caught using pesticides containing neonicotinoids, with repeat offences attracting fines of up to €100,000.

Photo: Ingimage