Pesticides could be killing bees at local wineries

Ore. — The early warm weather had a Dundee Winery thinking they would have a good year with the help of the pollenating bees, that is until all three of their hives died, sparking suspicion.

Its the second year in a row the winery’s bees have died, following a pattern of bee die-offs across the state.

John Paul, Cameron Winery, “Our suspicion is this group of pesticides, neonicotinoids, which are being pretty implicated in bees, death of bees.”

Studies have found that strain of pesticides to be harmful to bees, but it’s not clear how harmful they are.

The Environmental Protection Agency is currently reviewing their use, they have already banned in the UK and the city of Portland recently banned their use on city property.

Eugene and Seattle have also joined the ban, it seems the public is becoming aware, but the pesticide is still widely used.

© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.

Skip to content