Oregon Restricts Use of Certain Dinotefuran Pesticides

Background
An estimated 25,000-50,000 bumblebees and other insects died recently in Oregon as a result of exposure to dinotefuran, a commonly used neonicotinoid. The pesticide was applied to 55 flowering linden trees by a property maintenance contractor in an effort to control aphids. While the situation is under investigation, the state of Oregon has enacted a temporary ban on the use of many dinotefuran-based insecticides for a period of 180 days, affecting 18 pesticide products. (See complete list here.) The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) will reassess the temporary restriction after officials finish their investigation into the pesticide applications in question. These inquiries could take up to four months. The temporary ban only affects certain pesticide uses that could harm pollinators, including outdoor applications on lawns, landscape ornamentals, trees, and crops. Investigators are also working to determine if any pesticide laws were broken during the application linked to the bee deaths.

Recommendations
Whenever significant events of any type take place, they often offer teachable moments and learning opportunities to help improve and expand upon best practices. In this instance, the unfortunate situation in Oregon highlights the necessity to always review and follow labels in their entirety, including the environmental hazard and precautionary statements, prior to product application. Furthermore, with the commitment the professional pest management industry has to the protection of pollinators and the importance the United States Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has placed on pollinator health, the deaths of the bees in Oregon should remind industry professionals that many pesticides are toxic to bees exposed to direct treatment or residues on blooming crops, ornamentals, or weeds. Such products should not be applied when bees are visiting the treatment area or if the applied product may drift outside the treatment area. This information should be reinforced immediately to all service technicians.

Statement
Most bees, including bumblebees, are beneficial insects. As such, our industry is firmly committed to the protection of bee health and the vital role bees play in pollinating flowers and crops, thereby strengthening our food supply. The death of tens of thousands of bees earlier this month is undoubtedly an important loss. An investigation is currently underway and although we cannot speculate on the pesticide application process in question, the event stresses the necessity for label instructions to be strictly followed at all times. Pesticide labels are mandates, not recommendations, set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency after years of rigorous testing.

Additional Resources: http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/ecosystem/pollinator/index.html

http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PEST/Pages/Pollinator.aspx