Pesticide residue accumulation in agricultural soils threatens 70% of wild bee species through direct exposure during nesting and hibernation, according to a study published in Science by University of Ottawa scientists. The study measured soil pesticide concentrations at Ontario farm hibernation sites, finding levels of toxic cyantraniliprole compounds exceeding acute toxicity thresholds for multiple bee species. Laboratory analyses documented how larger bumblebee queens showed increased mortality rates when exposed to field-realistic pesticide concentrations during simulated hibernation. These queens, traditionally advantaged by size for winter survival, face elevated exposure risks through increased soil contact. Wild bee population monitoring across North America … Continue reading Pesticides in Soil Threaten Over 70% of Wild Bees, as Toxic Residues Exceed Limits and Endanger Bumblebee Queens’ Winter Survival