What factor makes certain pesticides especially dangerous to honeybees?

Micro-encapsulation significantly increases the danger of certain pesticides to honeybees because it alters the way the pesticide is released and absorbed in the environment. Micro-encapsulation involves enclosing pesticide particles within a protective coating, allowing them to be time-released and providing prolonged exposure to bees. This technology can result in pesticides remaining active in the environment for an extended period, which increases the likelihood that honeybees will come into contact with the toxic agent when foraging for nectar and pollen.

In contrast, strong odors, the color of the pesticide, and the liquid form do not inherently impact the toxicity of the pesticide to bees in the same manner. While these factors may influence the attractiveness of the pesticide to insects or the ease with which they can be handled or applied, they do not directly relate to the specific mechanisms of toxicity and exposure associated with micro-encapsulation, which makes it a crucial factor in assessing risks to honeybee populations.