Neonicotinoids - dinotefuran, clothianidin, imidacloprid & thiamethoxam

For sale only to licensed applicators by Restricted Use Pesticide Dealers

The BPC adopted a regulation to make certain neonicotinoids restricted use. This action was taken in response to legislation passed by the 130th legislature, LD 155, Resolve, Directing the Board of Pesticides Control To Prohibit the Use of Certain Neonicotinoids for Outdoor Residential Use (RESLV Chapter 33) to restrict homeowner and licensed applicator use of neonicotinoid pesticides that have been shown to decrease pollinator populations and productivity.

All pesticides with the active ingredients dinotefuran, clothianidin, imidacloprid or thiamethoxam are prohibited from use by all persons in outdoor residential landscapes such as lawn, turf, and ornamental vegetation. Some exemptions from this rule include products for preserving wood, controlling or treating indoor pests, and controlling or treating insects outside around structural foundations. Additionally, there are exemptions for licensed individuals treating "emerging invasive invertebrate pests" on ornamental vegetation. Applicators may also apply for emergency use permits if an emergency situation arises.

A list of products that are registered in the state of Maine and contain dinotefuran, clothianidin, imidacloprid or thiamethoxam is now available. A policy that lists all applicable emerging invasive invertebrate pests is also available. Information regarding emergency use is outlined in CMR01-26 Chapter 51(VII)(B)(1). Emergency use permit applications and a policy regarding emergency permitting are also available. Finally, please note that Chapter 41 also requires applicators to maintain records in the same way other restricted use pesticides are recorded. Call the BPC at 207-287-2731 or email pesticides@maine.gov for more information.

Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions are applicable.

  • Residential Landscapes: “in and around human dwellings."
  • Ornamental Vegetation: “shrubs, trees and related vegetation excluding turf and lawn, in and around residences."
  • Emerging Invasive Invertebrate Pest: “means any invertebrate, including its eggs or other biological material capable of propagating that species that occurs outside of its eco-region and its introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm, or harm to human, animal, or plant health, to include: Species both known now and unknown now but showing up at a later date; Species that occur outside of their eco-region (level III) as defined by EPA; and Species on a Board approved list.”

Neonicotinoid Resources