New Hampshire is taking direct action against a class of pesticides that scientists say is devastating pollinator populations. Two bills moving through the state legislature would restrict neonicotinoid pesticides, chemicals widely used in agriculture that have been linked to the collapse of bee colonies, butterfly population declines, and cascading effects throughout entire ecosystems .

What Are Neonicotinoids and Why Are They Harming Pollinators?

Neonicotinoids are systemic pesticides that are absorbed by plants and distributed to nectar and pollen, meaning bees ingest trace amounts every time they feed. Even minimal doses can impair bees' ability to navigate and communicate via their complex "waggle dance," weakening their foraging capacity and colony survival . These chemicals have become a major focus of regulatory concern because they affect not just individual bees, but entire ecosystems.

The scale of the problem in New Hampshire is striking. According to testimony at recent Senate hearings, 40 percent of the bumblebee species historically found in New Hampshire are locally extinct or in severe decline, while about 70 percent of butterfly species are losing numbers . This decline ripples through food chains, affecting fish and birds that depend on insects for food.

"Do you remember, anyone who drove a car in the 1990s or early 2000s, you actually got bugs on your windshield? I think everyone here probably knows that that doesn't happen so much anymore. Neonicotinoid insecticides, or 'neonics,' are a major contributor to these declines," said Rosemary Malfi, director of conservation policy for the insect conservation nonprofit Xerces Society.

Rosemary Malfi, Director of Conservation Policy, Xerces Society

How Are Neonicotinoids Currently Used in Agriculture?

Neonicotinoids are commonly applied as seed treatments in grain crops, including corn. This widespread use means that exposure to these chemicals is nearly unavoidable for wild pollinators foraging in agricultural areas. One of the two bills under consideration, House Bill 1086, would establish a committee to study the feasibility of banning seeds treated with neonicotinoid pesticides .

The other measure, House Bill 1431, would direct the state Pesticide Control Board to reclassify neonicotinoids as restricted use, meaning their use would be limited to professional pesticide applicators only. This approach would reduce casual or improper application while still allowing controlled use where deemed necessary .

What Evidence Supports Restricting These Pesticides?

Research from other regions provides compelling evidence for action. Countries such as France, Germany, and Canada have already restricted neonicotinoid use on flowering crops, and studies suggest that colonies recover significantly once exposure levels drop . Quebec and New York have implemented bans on neonicotinoid-treated seeds, providing real-world data that the proposed New Hampshire study committee would examine .

Beyond direct toxicity, neonicotinoids interact with other agricultural chemicals to amplify harm. Fungicides and herbicides can interact with neonicotinoids in ways that increase toxicity, making it difficult to isolate a single culprit. These pesticide mixtures, common in industrial farms, contribute to chronic stress and exacerbate colony collapse syndrome symptoms .

Ways to Support Pollinator-Friendly Pest Management

• Organic Farming Practices: Organic farms minimize chemical dependency while preserving soil and plant health, supporting richer plant diversity that provides bees with balanced nectar sources and natural pest control coverage.
• Pollinator Habitat Corridors: Building green corridors connecting parks, farms, and gardens with flowering vegetation helps bees safely migrate between habitats and ensures reliable foraging grounds throughout the year.
• Native Plant Gardening: Home gardeners can grow native wildflowers and avoid synthetic sprays, contributing to local pollinator populations and creating stepping stones for insect migration.
• Support for Local Beekeepers: Supporting local honey producers strengthens small-scale apiaries that maintain healthier bee stocks and avoid industrial chemicals used in commercial operations.

What Are the Barriers to Restricting Neonicotinoids?

Not everyone supports immediate restrictions. Some farmers argue that pests would cause significant crop losses without chemical treatments, and that certain varieties of crops, such as some types of sweetcorn, are only available in neonicotinoid-treated form . The farming community has called for more involvement of local experts and consideration of New Hampshire-specific agricultural conditions before implementing broad restrictions.

Representatives from the New Hampshire Farm Bureau Association have suggested that the task of restricting neonicotinoid use should be left to the state Pesticide Control Board rather than mandated through legislation . However, Rep. John MacDonald, the Republican sponsor of both bills, noted that previous conversations with the Pesticide Control Board had resulted in no action, prompting the need for legislative clarity on whether restrictions are optional or required.

The broader concern is whether farmers can transition to untreated seeds at all. Some crops are commercially available only in treated form, creating a practical barrier to implementation. The proposed study committee would assess whether farmers could realistically switch to untreated seeds and what support might be needed to make that transition .

Why Is Insect Decline Affecting More Than Just Pollinators?

The ecological consequences of insect decline extend far beyond pollinator loss. When insect populations collapse, it affects the entire food web. Fish and birds that depend on insects for food face starvation. Meanwhile, beneath insects on the ecosystem ladder are the microorganisms that contribute to harmful cyanobacteria blooms; insect decline can allow cyanobacteria to proliferate, potentially worsening those costly water quality problems .

This interconnected damage demonstrates why addressing neonicotinoid use is not just about saving bees, but about protecting the fundamental health of ecosystems that humans depend on for clean water, food production, and biodiversity. The urgency of the issue has prompted lawmakers to act despite the complexity of balancing agricultural productivity with environmental protection.

As the New Hampshire legislature considers these bills, the state has an opportunity to join other regions in taking precautionary action based on emerging scientific evidence. The study committee proposed in House Bill 1086 would provide data-driven guidance for future policy decisions, while House Bill 1431 would immediately shift the burden of proof to pesticide applicators, requiring them to demonstrate necessity before use .