A new study says commonly used pesticides disrupt brain function in Honey Bees in Europe and North America.  The research backs up the idea that pesticides are, at the very least, a component of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).

The University of Dundee in Scotland team found that neonicotinoids and miticidal pesticides directly hampered bee brain functioning.  The latter type of pesticide, miticidal, is used to protect bees from a Varroa Destructor parasite.  But the new research shows the cure is worse than the disease.

The pesticides combined block neurons from firing, leading to aberrant behavior, including losing their way easily and slow reactions.

Until this study, miticidal pesticides haven’t been the subject of much criticism.  But neoniconoids have.

France already banned the use of neonicotinoids on certain crops.  And the EU is considering a similar prohibition.  Environmentalists are suing the United States Environmental Protection Agency for failing to act.  And you’d think that the EPA would be more apt to act because in the U.S. alone, bee pollination is estimated to be worth $8-12 billion.