As of 2024, neonicotinoid insecticides remain the most widely used class of insecticides globally. They are also most commonly applied as seed treatments and used for managing invasive insects, as well as insect pests affecting turf and ornamentals. While neonicotinoids are effective in insect pest management, they pose risks to groundwater, pollinators, non-target organisms, and aquatic invertebrates. Concerns over these non-target risks led to the passage of the Birds and Bees Protection Act in New York State in 2023.
At the end of this course, the student will be able to:
- Describe what neonicotinoid insecticides are and how they work.
- Identify the benefits of neonicotinoid insecticides.
- Identify the non-target risks with neonicotinoid insecticides and strategies to reduce these risks.
- Understand what the Birds and Bees Protection Act is and how it affects the use of neonicotinoid insecticides in New York State.
- Identify alternatives to neonicotinoid insecticides.
Successful completion of this course will earn you 0.5 recertification credit for New York State DEC certified pesticide applicators in categories 1a, 2, 3a, 3b, 3c, 4, 7a, 8, 9, 10, 12, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25. This course also meets the training requirements for turf and ornamental uses of neonicotinoid insecticides under the New York State Birds and Bees Protection Act (Environmental Conservation Law Article 33, Section 33-1301).
If you are certified in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, or West Virginia, check the appropriate state-specific credit information page under the "Store Menu" to confirm approval and recertification credit values.
Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont have approved all DLC courses and awards the same credits as New York.
