Ace Hardware Corporation is willing to sell alternatives to insecticides that may contain chemicals that affect honeybees.
Environmental agencies are evaluating if neonicotinoids–which are chemicals used in pesticides–are harmful to honeybee health. Ace may move away from selling products that contain neonicotinoids as alternative pesticides become available, according to the company.
Neonicotinoid pesticides are sold to boost crop yields, but are also commonly used on lawn and garden plants, according to an article by Reuters.
Ace is considering varied perspectives on stressors to honeybee health, such as poor nutrition, parasites, disease and exposure to pesticides.
“At Ace, we’re committed to providing our customers with products that not only meet their needs, but that are also in compliance with applicable laws and regulations from environmental agencies and regulators,” says Frank Carroll, vice president of merchandising. “Ace Hardware will be diligent in working with our vendors to take appropriate action to protect pollinators.”
Ace’s announcement follows Lowe’s recent commitment to phasing out neonicotinoid pesticides.