What are neonicotinoids? why do many beekeepers suspect pesticides may play a role in colony collapse disorder?

Neonicotinoids are pesticides that affect insects’ neural networks. They work like nicotine. Due to this property, they affect bees behaviours such as learning of navigation routes, communication with other colony bees, and ability to forage for nectar. This therefore ultimately causes what is referred to as honey-bee colony collapse disorder (CCD).