Neonicotinoids: What Every Home Gardener Should Know
A comprehensive guide for gardeners on neonicotinoids, their impacts, and how to make pollinator-friendly choices in the garden.
Neonicotinoids: Essential Information for Home Gardeners
Neonicotinoids have become one of the most intensely debated topics in gardening and agriculture. As the science on their impacts deepens, gardeners are increasingly called to make informed choices about their backyard habitats. This guide explains what neonicotinoids are, why they matter, how they impact pollinators, and practical steps for cultivating a thriving, pollinator-friendly garden without them.
What Are Neonicotinoids?
Neonicotinoids (often called neonics) are a class of systemic insecticides chemically related to nicotine. They target the nervous system of insects, leading to paralysis and death. Unlike many older insecticides, neonicotinoids are absorbed by plant tissues and distributed throughout the plant, including leaves, stems, roots, flowers, pollen, and nectar.
- First introduced in the 1990s.
- Promoted for their long-lasting protection and lower toxicity to humans compared to many traditional chemicals.
- Examples include imidacloprid, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, thiamethoxam, thiacloprid, nitenpyram, and sulfoxaflor.
How Are Neonicotinoids Used in Gardens?
Neonicotinoids are found in a variety of garden products:
- Soil drenches for trees, shrubs, and flowers
- Pellets, granules, or liquids for lawns, turf, and potting mixes
- Sprays for fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals
They are marketed under a wide range of brand names such as Bonide, Dominion, BioAdvance Complete Insect Killer, Safari, and Ortho Bug Be Gone, making it difficult for consumers to recognize them at a glance.
Why Are Neonicotinoids a Concern?
Neonicotinoids are potent insecticides with a unique set of environmental concerns, especially for pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
- Systemic Action: Neonics permeate an entire plant, affecting all feeding insects—including pollinators who consume nectar and pollen.
- Persistence in the Environment: Neonics can remain active in soil and plant tissue for weeks, months, or even years. Residues may be detected in woody plants up to six years post-application.
- Non-Target Impact: These chemicals can harm many types of beneficial insects, even at very low concentrations. They may contaminate water sources, impacting aquatic life downstream from gardens and treated landscapes.
- Pollinator Declines: Numerous studies link neonicotinoid exposure to bee mortality, colony collapse, navigation disruption, impaired reproduction, and other sublethal effects.
- Higher Residential Risk: Home garden products often contain neonics at concentrations far higher than those allowed in agricultural settings, amplifying potential risks to pollinators.
Impacts on Pollinators
The health of pollinators is vital for healthy gardens and ecosystems. Key impacts include:
- Acute bee kills from direct contact with neonicotinoid-treated plants.
- Reduced reproductive success and lifespan in bees and butterflies due to chronic, low-level exposure.
- Disruption of bee navigation, leading bees to fail to return to the hive.
- Contamination of wild plants and nearby habitats, harming butterflies, solitary bees, moths, and other pollinators.
Risk Table: Neonicotinoid Exposure Pathways
| Pathway | Affected Species | Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Nectar and Pollen | Bees, Butterflies, Other Pollinators | Exposure through foraging; leads to declines in health and reproduction. |
| Soil | Ground-Nesting Bees, Worms | Prolonged residues in soil impact larvae and soil organisms. |
| Water | Aquatic Insects, Fish | Runoff contaminates waterways; harmful to aquatic life. |
| Plant Material | Beneficial Predators and Parasitoids | Non-pollinator insects ingest toxins, reducing natural pest control. |
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Common Neonicotinoids in Garden Products
To avoid neonicotinoids, it’s crucial to recognize their active ingredients and common product names. Here are the main neonics found on garden center shelves:
- Imidacloprid
- Acetamiprid
- Clothianidin
- Dinotefuran
- Thiamethoxam
- Thiacloprid
- Nitenpyram
- Sulfoxaflor (often grouped with neonics despite some chemical difference)
They are sold under hundreds of trade names. Always check the active ingredient section on a product’s label before purchasing or applying.
How Can Gardeners Avoid Neonicotinoids?
Home gardeners play a critical role in the fight to protect pollinators. Here’s how you can help:
- Read Labels Carefully: Check all insecticide products for neonicotinoids in their ingredient list. Avoid those with any of the chemicals listed above.
- Buy From Trusted Sources: Favor independent nurseries and ask staff if plants are neonicotinoid-free. Big box stores may not always provide accurate information, but many independent retailers are more likely to know their stock’s chemical history.
- Choose Certified Plants: Look for plants bearing certifications such as ‘Bee Safe’ or ‘Neonicotinoid-Free’ labels.
- Grow From Seed: Starting your garden from untreated seed ensures you avoid nursery-applied neonics.
What If You Must Use an Insecticide?
If pest pressure is overwhelming, and you must use an insecticide, reduce risks with these strategies:
- Choose alternative chemistries or organic options such as neem oil, horticultural soap, and beneficial nematodes.
- Apply insecticides after plants have finished blooming to reduce pollinator exposure.
- Use products with lower toxicity to pollinators. For example, acetamiprid is less toxic to bees compared to imidacloprid or dinotefuran.
- Never use insecticides preventively—only apply if pests reach damaging thresholds.
- Spot-treat pests rather than broadcast-spraying entire beds or lawns.
Gardener Best Practices for Pollinator Protection
- Plant a diversity of native flowers with overlapping bloom times to provide continuous forage for pollinators.
- Maintain untreated nesting habitat for bees, such as bare ground or wood piles.
- Limit mowing and tilling during peak pollinator activity.
- Encourage natural predators of garden pests by providing habitat and avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides.
- Support pollinator-friendly legislation at the local and national levels.
Alternatives to Neonicotinoid Use
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Monitor pest populations, use thresholds, encourage natural enemies, and use chemicals only as a last resort.
- Manual Pest Control: Remove pests by hand or prune out infested parts.
- Biological Controls: Release or attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory wasps.
- Cultural Practices: Rotate crops, use resistant plant varieties, and maintain soil health to reduce pest outbreaks.
Neonicotinoids: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are neonicotinoids so widespread?
A: They provide systemic, long-lasting pest control and are often less acutely toxic to humans and pets compared to previous insecticides. This convenience, combined with aggressive marketing, has led to their rapid adoption in agriculture and home gardening.
Q: Are neonicotinoids used on all nursery plants?
A: Not all nurseries use neonicotinoids, but many do—especially for pest-prone species. Always inquire about plant treatment practices before purchasing.
Q: How do I know if a plant has been treated with neonicotinoids?
A: Unless the grower or seller clearly labels their products, it can be difficult to know for sure. Buy from trusted sources, or grow from untreated seeds to be certain.
Q: Can neonicotinoids be washed off?
A: No. Because they are systemic, neonics reside inside all parts of treated plants and cannot be removed by rinsing or peeling.
Q: Are there policies regulating neonicotinoid use?
A: Some regions have restricted or banned outdoor neonicotinoid uses, and pollinator safety laws are evolving. Stay updated on local regulations and advocate for pollinator protection.
Q: Is there a safe time to apply neonics if absolutely necessary?
A: Apply after plants finish blooming, select products with the shortest environmental persistence (such as dinotefuran or acetamiprid), and choose the lowest toxicity options. But whenever possible, opt for non-chemical controls instead.
Resources for Gardeners
- Xerces Society offers in-depth information on neonicotinoid impacts and pollinator-safe gardening.
- State extension services and master gardener programs provide updated guidance on pesticide choices and pollinator health.
- Seek neonicotinoid-free plant lists and recommended retailers from local gardening organizations.
Key Takeaways
- Neonicotinoids are widely used systemic insecticides, found in many garden products but associated with risks to pollinators and the environment.
- Home gardeners can help protect pollinators by avoiding neonics, choosing safer alternatives, and promoting healthy garden ecosystems.
- Always check what you buy and apply to your yard—small choices add up to a major impact for pollinators.
References
- https://www.xerces.org/publications/periodicals-articles/neonicotinoids-in-your-garden
- https://www.mda.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/inline-files/residentialneonicotinoid_1.pdf
- https://northerngardener.org/finding-neonicotinoid-free-plants/
- https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/caes/documents/publications/fact_sheets/valley_laboratory/useofneonicotinoidsinthehomelandscapecowlesmarch2015pdf.pdf?rev=2e8600be705c407294a2e749f48d3601&hash=6068C1E20AE94EB760B8C7062BFEA41E
- https://xerces.org/sites/default/files/2018-06/12-069_01_HopwoodShepherd_NeonicsInYourGarden_WingsFall2012.pdf
- https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/pollinatorresources/documents/neonicsinyourgarden.pdf
- https://www.beyondpesticides.org/assets/media/documents/pollinators/documents/pesticide_list_final.pdf
- https://engagement.source.colostate.edu/how-colorados-neonic-pesticide-restrictions-impact-home-gardeners/
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