Wild bee populations are declining, impacting pollination. This study investigated the impact of pesticide use, particularly neonicotinoids and pyrethroids, on wild bee occupancy across the contiguous United States using museum records, ecological surveys, and community science data. The results showed a widespread negative effect of increased neonicotinoid and pyrethroid use on bee occupancy, with some groups experiencing a 43.3% decrease in occurrence probability. These findings highlight the potential for pesticide reduction strategies to support pollination conservation.

Laura Melissa Guzman, Elizabeth Elle, Lora A. Morandin, Neil S. Cobb, Paige R. Chesshire, Lindsie M. McCabe, Alice Hughes, Michael Orr, Leithen K. M'Gonigle