There is growing concern that neonicotinoid insecticides may play a role in the declining health of pollinators and other wildlife across North America. A string of unfortunate and widely publicized events, including the death of 25,000 bumble bees foraging on neonicotinoid-treated linden trees, have placed this class of insecticides at the center of the debate surrounding pollinator decline. Although the USEPA is not currently banning or restricting the use of neonicotinoids, these products have been slated for a rigorous registration review process. To ensure that these products remain available for use in turfgrass, some commonsense measures, aimed at minimizing their potential negative environmental impacts, may be warranted. Purdue University put together a website and the resource Safety and Use of Neonicotinoid Insecticides in Turfgrass to provide the green industry with essential scientific information.
