The State of Neonics

Neonicotinoid pesticides, commonly known as "neonics," have been widely used in agriculture and residential landscaping. However, due to their harmful impact on pollinators such as bees, many regions have imposed bans or restrictions on their residential use.

United States

Several U.S. states have enacted laws to limit or ban the residential use of neonicotinoids:

• Maryland (2016) – Banned consumer use of neonicotinoid pesticides unless applied by a certified pesticide applicator.¹

• Connecticut (2016) – Restricted the use of neonicotinoids to protect pollinators.²

• Maine (2018) – Limited residential access to neonicotinoids.³

• Vermont (2019) – Prohibited certain neonicotinoid applications.⁴

• Massachusetts (2021) – Implemented regulations controlling residential use.⁵

• New Jersey (2022) – Enacted a ban to protect pollinator populations.⁶

• New York (2022) – Prohibited the sale of neonicotinoid-treated seeds and banned residential use, aiming to reduce neonicotinoid application by 80-90%.⁷

• Rhode Island (2022) – Introduced restrictions on neonicotinoid applications.⁸

• Colorado and Nevada (2023) – Passed laws preventing consumers from purchasing neonicotinoid pesticides for residential use.⁹

These state-level restrictions reflect growing efforts to mitigate environmental harm caused by neonics.

European Union

The European Union has implemented some of the world's strictest regulations on neonicotinoids:

• 2013: Restricted the use of three neonicotinoids—imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiamethoxam—due to their acute risk to bees.

• 2018: Banned outdoor use of these chemicals, allowing applications only in permanent greenhouses.¹⁰

United Kingdom

The UK government announced in December 2024 its plans to ban neonicotinoid pesticides deemed harmful to bees. However, certain highly toxic variants, such as Cruiser SB, may still be permitted under special conditions.¹¹

Conclusion

Neonicotinoid restrictions continue to expand as scientific research highlights their environmental impact. While bans on residential use are growing, further action may be necessary to fully protect pollinators and biodiversity.

Sources:

1. "Maryland Restricts Neonicotinoids" – National Caucus of Environmental Legislators

2. "Connecticut Restricts Neonicotinoids to Protect Bees" – Capitol Beat

3. "Maine Pesticide Regulations" – Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry

4. "Vermont Act 35 – Neonicotinoid Restrictions" – Vermont Legislature

5. "Massachusetts Pesticide Laws" – Massachusetts Legislature

6. "New Jersey Bans Neonicotinoids" – NJ Department of Environmental Protection, NJ.gov

7. "New York’s Neonicotinoid Treated Seed Ban" – NCEL

8. "Rhode Island Pesticide Regulation" – RI Department of Environmental Management, RI.gov

9. "States Make Way for Pesticide Reforms" – Xerces Society

10. "Neonicotinoid Pesticide Ban in the EU" – European Commission

11. "UK to Ban Bee-Killing Pesticides" – The Guardian