New Colorado law removes bee-killing pesticides from retail shelves

With farmers’ markets in full swing and backyard gardens starting to bear fruit, a Colorado law goes into effect Monday, July 1, to remove the bee-killing pesticides neonicotinoids (neonics) from retail store shelves. The new law comes at a critical moment as the populations of many Coloradan pollinators such as the western bumble bee are declining, partly because of neonics.

Neonics are a class of insecticides that can be 1,000 times more toxic to bees than DDT. Sublethal doses cause immune deficiencies and disorientation, making it hard for them to forage, fly, return to their hive, and complete other essential tasks such as ridding themselves of parasitic varroa mites.

“Taking bee-killing neonics off store shelves is a key step toward saving bees and other insects that play a critical role in our ecosystems and pollinate a lot of the food we eat,” said Environment Colorado Advocate Henry Stiles. “Neonics and other pesticides are a big part of the problem, so it’s a big deal that Colorado is the latest state to limit their use.”

The new law restricts the sale of neonics to licensed pesticide dealers, removing them from common retail and garden stores and reducing the likelihood of backyard gardeners and homeowners using these dangerous insecticides. 

Colorado is one of 10 states to restrict the sale and use of neonics. One in four Americans live in a state that has done so. 

Colorado is home to 946 native bee species. For tips on planting bee-friendly gardens, check out our blog.