This review provides a comprehensive summary of the hazards of neonicotinoid insecticides to bees, including honey bees, bumble bees, and solitary bees, over the past 15 years. The focus is on three key aspects: (1) environmental residue levels in plants, bees, and bee products, (2) reported side-effects, particularly sublethal effects, and (3) the applicability of an existing risk assessment scheme for systemic compounds. While environmental residue levels are generally below acute/chronic toxicity levels, reliable data are limited due to the detection limits of most analyses. Laboratory studies have shown lethal and sublethal effects on foraging behavior, learning, memory, and reproduction, but field studies at realistic dosages have not observed these effects. The proposed risk assessment scheme for systemic compounds is applicable for assessing neonicotinoid side-effects, considering different life stages and biological levels. Future research should focus on field-realistic concentrations, relevant exposure durations, and molecular markers to improve risk assessment. The review concludes with recommendations for future studies to assess global bee colony health.This review provides a comprehensive summary of the hazards of neonicotinoid insecticides to bees, including honey bees, bumble bees, and solitary bees, over the past 15 years. The focus is on three key aspects: (1) environmental residue levels in plants, bees, and bee products, (2) reported side-effects, particularly sublethal effects, and (3) the applicability of an existing risk assessment scheme for systemic compounds. While environmental residue levels are generally below acute/chronic toxicity levels, reliable data are limited due to the detection limits of most analyses. Laboratory studies have shown lethal and sublethal effects on foraging behavior, learning, memory, and reproduction, but field studies at realistic dosages have not observed these effects. The proposed risk assessment scheme for systemic compounds is applicable for assessing neonicotinoid side-effects, considering different life stages and biological levels. Future research should focus on field-realistic concentrations, relevant exposure durations, and molecular markers to improve risk assessment. The review concludes with recommendations for future studies to assess global bee colony health.