As of January 1, DEC reclassified certain neonicotinoid (neonic) pesticide products as “restricted use.” Products containing imidacloprid, acetamiprid, and thiamethoxam that are labeled for foliar, widespread outdoor use, and/or seed treatment are no longer permitted to be applied by homeowners. These products contain chemicals like nicotine, and the reclassification was taken to protect New York’s environmental resources - especially pollinators. If you are not a certified applicator, the product must be legally disposed of.
Ways to properly dispose of neonicotinoid pesticide products
• Give any product you possess to a certified pesticide applicator.
• Take such products to your local Household Hazardous Waste Day disposal event.
DEC provides additional information on neonicotinoid reclassification. Questions can be directed to DEC’s Pesticide Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Section at 518-402-8727 or emailed to pesticidecompliance@dec.ny.gov
While neonicotinoids are now “restricted use” - this presents an opportunity for us to change our lawn care and garden habits and adopt natural, more environmentally friendly methods. Rest assured there are a lot of chemical-free actions you can take to green your spring lawn and garden care. Looking to reduce the amount of time, money, chemicals, and effort needed to have a beautiful lawn or garden? Here are some tips to get started:
Reduce weeds naturally
• Apply corn gluten to lawns. While it will not kill weeds, it will stop new ones from germinating that year. Corn gluten is also a great natural source of nitrogen.
• Remember to mulch. Place two to three inches of mulch to application areas to provide nutrients and shade out weeds in plant beds. Types of mulch include bark clips, leaves, or recycled rubber. But do not allow mulch to touch tree trunks so growth is not inhibited.
• Pour boiling water over weeds and repeat as needed.
• Select native species and non-invasive plants. Perennials are a good choice and can help reduce costs from having to purchase new plants annually.
• Use “minimum risk pesticides.” These are deemed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to “pose little or no risk to human health or the environment.” Biocontrols (naturally occurring substances to deter pests) can be applied. An example is nematodes which can be used on the lawn for grub control. And of course, controlling grubs will reduce mole and other problems.
• Maintain a healthy lawn and deter weeds.
• Don’t bag grass clippings - instead - leave them on the lawn.
• Let grass grow and mow less. The taller the grass, the deeper the roots - this can aid in getting through dry spells.
• Seed barren patches in lawns with grass seed. Remember lawns need about an inch of water per week - water once a week if necessary and do so early in the day to help prevent conditions that encourage pest infestations
• Make sure your gutters flow onto lawns - not pavement.
• Collect water in a rain barrel to use in the yard.
• Conduct a soil test to see if you need to fertilize.
Broadcasting up to one-half inch of compost can provide nitrogen along with other trace nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Serious nitrogen deficiencies can be corrected with a slow-release, organic source of nitrogen such as blood meal, cottonseed meal, or fish meal. Applications should be when soil temperatures are above 65 degrees.
Fifty percent of a lawn’s needed nitrogen can be obtained by leaving clippings on the lawn. The other 50% can be applied in the fall by shredding leaves with a mulching mower and leaving them on the lawn.
Do not fertilize an established lawn in mid-summer. Doing so just feeds the weeds.
