Neonicotinoids are widely used insecticides for pest control in agriculture, but they also pose risks to non-target organisms like bees. This review summarizes 15 years of research on the hazards of neonicotinoids to bees, including honey bees, bumble bees, and solitary bees. The study focuses on three key aspects: environmental residue levels of neonicotinoids in plants, bees, and bee products; sublethal effects on bee behavior, learning, and reproduction; and the use of existing risk assessment schemes for systemic compounds. While environmental residue levels are generally lower than acute/chronic toxicity levels, reliable data are scarce, as most analyses are near the detection limit. Laboratory studies have shown lethal and sublethal effects of neonicotinoids on bee behavior, while field studies have not observed effects at realistic dosages. The proposed risk assessment scheme for systemic compounds is applicable for assessing side-effects, considering effects on different life stages and biological levels. Future research should focus on field-realistic concentrations, exposure durations, and molecular markers to improve risk assessment. Neonicotinoids act as neurotoxins by interacting with insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. They are translocated to nectar and pollen, where they can be ingested by bees. Residue levels in nectar and pollen are generally low, but data are limited. The review highlights the need for more research on the long-term effects of neonicotinoids on bee populations and the development of better risk assessment methods. The study concludes that neonicotinoids are an important group of insecticides, but their use requires careful consideration of their impact on bee health and the environment.Neonicotinoids are widely used insecticides for pest control in agriculture, but they also pose risks to non-target organisms like bees. This review summarizes 15 years of research on the hazards of neonicotinoids to bees, including honey bees, bumble bees, and solitary bees. The study focuses on three key aspects: environmental residue levels of neonicotinoids in plants, bees, and bee products; sublethal effects on bee behavior, learning, and reproduction; and the use of existing risk assessment schemes for systemic compounds. While environmental residue levels are generally lower than acute/chronic toxicity levels, reliable data are scarce, as most analyses are near the detection limit. Laboratory studies have shown lethal and sublethal effects of neonicotinoids on bee behavior, while field studies have not observed effects at realistic dosages. The proposed risk assessment scheme for systemic compounds is applicable for assessing side-effects, considering effects on different life stages and biological levels. Future research should focus on field-realistic concentrations, exposure durations, and molecular markers to improve risk assessment. Neonicotinoids act as neurotoxins by interacting with insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. They are translocated to nectar and pollen, where they can be ingested by bees. Residue levels in nectar and pollen are generally low, but data are limited. The review highlights the need for more research on the long-term effects of neonicotinoids on bee populations and the development of better risk assessment methods. The study concludes that neonicotinoids are an important group of insecticides, but their use requires careful consideration of their impact on bee health and the environment.