It is great to see a review of how multiple factors kill bees, but I hope it does not deflect attention from the use of neonicotinoids. There seems to be a bit

It is great to see a review of how multiple factors kill bees, but I hope it does not deflect attention from the use of neonicotinoids. There seems to be a bit of a language war taking place. The Science abstract suggests "reducing pesticide use through adopting more sustainable farming methods", while the Vox article talks about "reducing pesticide use when possible". The news article phrasing suggests that pesticide reduction is optional. The Science title is "Bee declines driven by combined stress from parasites, pesticides, and lack of flowers", while the Vox title is "A new theory for why the bees are vanishing". The paper clearly blames pesticides, while the vox title suggests (on a quick read) that pesticides are really only a theory, and may not be the latest one at that. One HN comment states "It would be helpful to know exactly what's killing them instead of just assuming the reason is obvious." The corollary is that maybe we should research more and wait before drawing conclusions. I agree with the statement, but not the corollary. I grew up with the schoolyard buzzing in summer time. In Vancouver, Bumble bees and honey bees were everywhere when the flowers bloomed. At recess and lunch, the grass would be a blur of flying insects and a single clover would often be crawling with several bees. Those days are long gone. The fields are dead. Wikipedia tells me that some of the species may be extinct. I think the time to act was long ago. I hope it is not too late.