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Pesticide Deadly to Bees Now Easily Detected in Honey

Pesticide Deadly to Bees Now Easily Detected in Honey
A common insecticide that is a major hazard for honeybees is now effectively detected in honey thanks to a simple new method.
 
Researchers at the University of Waterloo developed an environmentally friendly, fully automated technique that extracts pyrethroids from the honey. Pyrethroids are one of two main groups of pesticides that contribute to colony collapse disorder in bees, a phenomenon where worker honeybees disappear, leaving the queen and other members of the hive to die. Agricultural producers worldwide rely on honeybees to pollinate hundreds of billions of dollars worth of crops.
 
Extracting the pyrethroids with the solid phase microextraction (SPME) method makes it easier to measure whether their levels in the honey are above those considered safe for human consumption. It can also help identify locations where farmers use the pesticide and in what amounts. The substance has traditionally been difficult to extract because of its chemical properties.
 
"Pyrethroids are poorly soluble in water and are actually suspended in honey," said Janusz Pawliszyn, a professor of chemistry at Waterloo. "We add a small amount of alcohol to dissolve them prior to extraction by the automated SPME system."
 
Farmers spray the pesticides on crops. They are neurotoxins, which affect the way the brain and nerves work, causing paralysis and death in insects. 
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Breakfast on the Farm - August 23, 2025

Video: Breakfast on the Farm - August 23, 2025


Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Location: Norfolk County Fairgrounds & Schooley Orchards/Apple Hill Lavender
Start your morning with a delicious farm-fresh breakfast and experience life on the farm — hands-on, up close, and unforgettable.
After breakfast at the Norfolk County Fairgrounds, take a guided tour of Schooley Orchards/Apple Hill Lavender. Stroll through apple orchards and lavender fields, meet local farmers, and discover how your food is grown and raised right here in Ontario.
What you can look forward to:
  • Local farm-fresh breakfast
  • Meet and learn about farm animals
  • Interactive exhibits and games
  • Farm equipment showcase
  • Self-guided tours through orchards and lavender fields
  • Fun and educational activities for all ages
This is a unique opportunity to connect with local agriculture, learn where your food comes from, and enjoy a memorable family outing.