Restricted Use Pesticides
Pesticides that are highly toxic and/or environmentally damaging will be classified as Restricted Use Pesticides, meaning that one needs to be state certified in order to purchase and use these products. In Connecticut all aquatic use of pesticides requires a site-specific permit, issued by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
2016 Pollinator Protection Act
In 2016 under Public Act No. 16-17: An Act Concerning Pollinator Health Connecticut made neonics restricted use pesticides, meaning only licensed applicators can purchase and apply them. Homeowners may no longer buy them in stores. Only licensed applicators, such as lawn care company workers, golf course maintenance crews or farmers who have done training and have received the license may apply restricted use pesticides. The Act set-up best practices for using neonic coated seeds and established the Pollinator Advisory Committee at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES).
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What to Look For
Neonics contain the following chemicals: acetamiprid; clothianidin; dinotefuran; imidacloprid; thiamethoxam; thiacloprid; and nitenpyram. Because the restricted use pesticides are listed under manufacturer/trade product names, it is difficult to know exactly which chemicals each contains without researching the product label. Protect Our Pollinators compiled a list of Lawn Chemicals Harmful to Pollinators: Do Not Buy or Let Your Lawn Care Professional Use These Products to help consumers know which chemicals are being used on their properties.
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