Scientists have developed a “vaccine” for bees against pesticides – and it appears to work, according to an initial study.

According to the findings, published in Nature Sustainability, hydrogel microparticles fed to bumblebees in sugar water caused a 30% higher survival rate in individuals exposed to lethal doses of neonicotinoids, and significantly milder symptoms in those exposed to lower doses that would not usually be lethal but can cause harm.

Neonicotinoids harm bees’ nervous system, paralysing and ultimately killing them. They are used to to control a variety of pests, especially sap-feeding insects such as aphids, and root-feeding grubs.

Scientists from Cornell University in New York were trying to find a way to protect bees from the widely used pesticides. Neonicotinoids were totally banned in the EU only last year – a previous ban allowed their emergency use. The UK has allowed their use every year since 2021, but the Labour government has said this will stop. The pesticides are still used in many US states.