Question

Do pesticides target the nervous system in other insects? Is the nervous system symptoms in bees a undesired side effect?

Answer 1

Yes, pesticides target nervous system in insects other than pests. Pesticides interfere with the transmission of sodium and potassium ion through channels for a prolonged period resulting in nervous break down.

In bees, pesticide may have adverse effects such as reduced reproductive success and resistance to diseases. Although pesticides are designed in such a way that they would kill only unwanted pests, but their toxic properties and prolonged use may harm good insects such as bees. Neonicotinoid is an example of such pesticide. Central nervous system of bees can be affected when they feed on pollen/nectar containing neonicotinoids. There are evidences of side effects of pesticides as impaired navigation ability (honeybees), reduced ability to reproduce (bumblebees and solitary bees).