Changes to Availability of Neonicotinoid Pesticides

Starting January 1, 2025, outdoor use of neonicotinoid pesticides in California will no longer be allowed by those without a pesticide applicator license. Common neonicotinoid insecticides include products with the active ingredients imidacloprid, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, and thiamethoxam. Example products you may be familiar with include BioAdvanced 12 Month Tree & Shrub Protect and Monterey Once a Year Insect Control II.

Neonicotinoid pesticides for non-agricultural outdoor use will only be available for sale at licensed pest control dealers and limited for possession and use by certified pesticide applicators. The sale of neonicotinoids in retail nurseries and garden centers and the possession or use of these pesticides by unlicensed applicators will no longer be allowed.

The new law does not apply to indoor neonicotinoid pesticide products like ant baits or veterinary products, such as flea and tick treatments for pets. For more information about this law, see CDPR's announcement https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/registration/canot/2024/ca2024-18.pdf.

Training Packages Updated

UC IPM has updated several training packages for UC Master Gardeners to use in training community members or other UC MG volunteers on integrated pest management (IPM). Whether you are an expert on IPM or still learning, these training packages are for you! Each package includes a scripted PowerPoint presentation, handouts and resources, activity suggestions, and reading recommendations to prepare you to give the training.

Training packages are currently available for the following topics:

• Biological Control – covering natural enemies (good bugs)
• Less-toxic Pesticides – covering pesticide safety and toxicity as well
• Household Pests – covering rats, ants, termites, and more

To view these training resources and more, visit the Training Materials for UC MGs page. We will be working on and adding more training packages throughout the year.

Photo by Elaine Lander, UC IPM

UC IPM Monthly Webinars

The schedule for the first half of UC IPM's 2025 Urban and Community IPM Webinar Series has been announced. These free webinars occur from 12-1pm on the third Thursday of every month. They are open to the public, so please help us get more participants by inviting your communities to sign up. We invite you to repost or share UC IPM's graphics to promote these webinars on social media (@ucipmurban).

• January 16 - Protecting Pollinators & Wildlife with New Laws in CA
• February 20 - Spotted, Dotted, and Spongy: Have You Seen These Invasive Pests?
• March 20 - What Are You Wearing? Basic PPE for Pesticide Safety
• April 17 - Myth or Fact?: Debunking Pest Myths
• May 15 - Understanding How Herbicides Work
• June 18 - Cover, Smash, Trap: Nonchemical Methods for Pest Management
• July 17 - Wild World of Wasps!
• More webinar topics to be announced soon!

All webinars are recorded and posted to UC IPM's YouTube channel. Visit https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucipm-community-webinars/Past_webinars/ to view previous webinar topics and recordings.

Thank you!

The UC IPM Urban & Community Team: Lauren, Belinda, Cherie, Lindsey, and Karey. Reach us at ucipm-community@ucanr.edu