YAKIMA (AP) — The state Department of Agriculture declined a request to restrict a class of backyard pesticides suspected of killing honey bees.
There’s no documented evidence the use of neonicotinoid pesticides is a significant contributor to the decline of bee colonies in Washington, department Director Bud Hover told Thurston County commissioners Thursday in a letter. The commission had requested restrictions on behalf of beekeepers.
“The proposed use restrictions are not appropriate at this time,” Hover wrote.
The pesticides commonly called neonics are used to kill aphids and other insects on ornamental plants. They also are used on some crops, The Yakima Herald-Republic reported Friday.
The state agency said it would monitor studies and ask federal regulators whether additional restrictions are needed.