What can we do to combat this crisis? The only solution appears to be a ban on neonicotinoid pesticides. Europe has already done this, heeding the overwhelming evidence of the damage these toxic chemicals cause. Maryland passed a law in 2016 requiring retailers to stop selling neonic-containing products for use in home gardens as of Jan. 1, 2018. Tragically, some stores still sell these products illegally, continuing to endanger Maryland’s pollinators. Congress has for two years refused to consider bill (H.R. 5015) introduced by Rep. Earl Blumenauer, an Oregon Democrat, to ban neonics nationally, (though the new Congress may view it more favorably). After all, as one secretary of agriculture said, “They’re only bees.” They only produce one third of our food supply, most of our fruits, vegetables, and nuts, as well as hay for our animals. Why should we care?