As a result of a law passed by the Vermont General Assembly in 2024 (Act 182 of the 2024 session), the use of neonicotinoid insecticides for some uses is prohibited effective July 1, 2025. The use by any application method, including tree injection, basal bark and soil drench applications, of neonicotinoid pesticides on "perennials, annuals, and groundcover purposefully planted for aesthetic reasons" is prohibited in Vermont effective July 1, 2025. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) has prepared this list of resources for pest management options that include non-neonicotinoid systemic pesticides. Note: The use of neonicotinoid pesticides in forestry activities or on plants not planted for aesthetic reasons is not prohibited by this law.
Insect pests commonly managed with systemic pesticides include tree borers, scales, nematodes, and other pests with piercing and sucking mouth parts. Systemic pesticides are chosen because they have potential to control the pest at different life stages and over longer periods of time because they remain present in the plant tissue. Systemics can also reach non-target insect species, but following label instructions can reduce exposure to non-target insects to lethal doses of the chosen chemical control.
Pest management professionals and residential landowners may want to consult with the UVM Plant Diagnostic Clinic, a pesticide product vendor, or the resources list below to find alternatives to neonicotinoid pesticides. Regardless of the pesticide you choose, the pesticide must be registered in Vermont and you must follow the label. AAFM can answer questions about what products are currently registered.
Act 182 allows for exemptions to the prohibition on the use of neonicotinoid pesticides on ornamental plants under specific conditions. Individuals seeking an exemption can request it to permit the application of neonicotinoid pesticides. The Agency, in consultation with the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR), may issue a written exemption order to suspend this prohibition if certain criteria are met. These criteria include the existence of a valid environmental or agricultural emergency, the effectiveness of the neonicotinoid pesticide in addressing the emergency, and the absence of a less harmful pesticide or pest management practice that would effectively resolve the emergency.
If issued, exemption orders are valid for a period of up to one year and may include additional restrictions to minimize harm to pollinators, birds, ecosystems, or public health. Any exemption order issued by the Agency will be made available to the public on the General Assembly's website.
Source: Agriculture Vermont
