EMMERTHAL, Germany, June 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Since May 25th 2013, it is official: the EU Commission has severely limited the use of plant protection products containing active substances from the group of neonicotinoids. One of the restrictions states that their application in domestic gardens and allotments is no longer allowed. As a result of this honey bees shall be given better protection.

Products containing one or more of the three active ingredients imidacloprid, thiamethoxam and clothianidin may no longer be applied from November 30th 2013 in domestic and allotment gardens across the entire European Union. The sale of these products is prohibited from September 30th 2013 onwards. Commercial application is allowed restrictedly, with comprehensive conditions for the protection of bees.

Gardeners should be aware that there are alternatives. Neudorff does not use any of these active ingredients in its products.  

The reason for the drastic measures of the EU Commission is the problem of bee mortality. More and more bee colonies are dying. The population of bees has declined by 40% to 60% across the world. This is a dramatic development, as bees are irreplaceable pollinators and help secure safe harvests of fruits, vegetables and crops.

There are many factors contributing to bee mortality, including pests such as varroa mites or diseases that pose risks to bee populations. However, there is indication that certain plant protection agents from the group of neonicotinoids have a harmful influence on bees. According to new information, there is a highly acute risk for bees due to pesticides that belong to the group of neonicotinoids. Moreover, according to the EU Commission "unacceptable risks due to acute or chronic effects on colony survival and development could not be excluded for several crops".

By carefully choosing means and products for plant protection, gardeners can reduce their impact on the environment. Supporting beneficial insects, for example with adequate plants and Neudorff's Insect Hotel, is the most natural way of plant protection. It attracts useful, pest eating insects such as ladybirds and lacewings.

In order to reduce the impact of plant protection measures on nature, Neudorff always aims to use ingredients for their garden care products that also occur in nature wherever possible. Environmental compatibility is one of the most important criteria in selecting ingredients and developing products for Neudorff.

Use plant protection products safely. Always read the label and product information before use.

W. Neudorff GmbH KG
Press office
An der Muehle 3
D-31860 Emmerthal Germany
http://www.neudorff.co.uk
Phone:  +49-51-55-6-24-178

SOURCE W. Neudorff GmbH KG