Notice received from New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Pesticide Rules Manager John Orrok.
Recent legislation (P.L. 2021, c.386) signed by Governor Murphy on January 18, 2022 will affect the use of neonicotinoid pesticides in New Jersey. This law amends the New Jersey Pesticide Control Act and will make pesticides in the class known as neonicotinoids “restricted use” (meaning any person using these pesticides must have a valid New Jersey pesticide applicator license) and further prohibits any use of neonicotinoids except agricultural use. Specific narrow exemptions are given for uses such as domestic pet and indoor applications, structural pest control, invasive pest emergencies, and use within a structural “band treatment” around a structure that does not involve application to plants. The intent of this law is to reduce pollinator exposure to these pesticides, and the practical affect is to prohibit use of these pesticides in home gardens and landscapes, golf courses and other non-agricultural settings. The law provides a specific deadline that beginning October 31, 2023, no sale of neonicotinoid pesticide can occur unless to a licensed applicator and for use only on agricultural plants. Please see the latest available version of the bill at New Jersey PL 1016_R4 Neonicotinoid Pesticide Restriction of Use 01 10 2022 and note that the signed version removes any text within the bold brackets.
If you have any questions or concerns related to these issues, please contact John Orrok, Pesticide Rule Manager at john.orrok@dep.nj.gov.