Novel insecticides are bad news for bee health and their guts

Insecticides containing flupyradifurone and sulfoxaflor can have devastating effects on honey bee health. The substances damage the insects' intestinal flora, especially when used in conjunction with a common fungicide, making them more susceptible to disease and shortening their life span. The two insecticides were considered harmless to bees and bumblebees when approved, but their use has since been severely restricted.