Federal scientists are finalizing restrictions on a much-used class of pesticides to try to protect bees. The Pest Management Regulatory Agency of Health Canada has spent the last seven years reviewing the approvals of nicotine-based pesticides, known as neonicotinoids. A pesticide that is popular among farmers, backyard green-thumbs and lawn aficionados. Although Health Canada says bees are only harmed by certain uses of the products the agency decided last year that it needed to phase out most outdoor uses of the pesticides over the next three to five years. The agency became concerned about the rising concentrations in ground and surface water which led to the decision. However, a decision won't be finalized until January 2020.