What are neonicotinoids?
Neonicotinoids is the designation of a group of substances that are related to nicotine. When these substances are used in plant protection products they are spread throughout the plant via the sap transport.
Due to this systemic effect, neonicotinoids can be used effectively to control insects. However, the neonicotinoids can also end up in pollen and nectar. As a result, bees can be exposed to these substances if a plant is in flower. In addition, neonicotinoids can also come into contact with bees via the honeydew produced by aphids and through guttation (exudation of droplets of sap on the tips or edges of leaves of some plants).