Neonicotinoid Insecticides

Neonicotinoids

*No indorsement is implied in the referencing of trade names

Neonicotinoids are a group of widely used systemic insecticides in agricultural and urban environments. They are effective at low concentrations, managing insect pests through contact or ingestion of treated plant material. Benefits include lower mammalian toxicity compared to older insecticides and systemic properties that enable varied application methods. 

Neonicotinoids are broad-spectrum, meaning they are effective against a wide variety of insects. In agriculture, neonicotinoids can be used as seed treatments or as spray applications on row crops, fruits, and vegetables. Examples of neonicotinoid use in urban areas include in pet products for flea and tick management and in products for lawn and ornamental care. 

Five neonicotinoid active ingredients are currently registered in Minnesota, acetamiprid, clothianidin, dinotefuran, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam. One neonicotinoid, thiacloprid, is no longer registered in in Minnesota as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cancelled its registration in 2014. 

Water Quality

The MDA monitors both groundwater and surface water resources throughout the state for over 180 pesticide-related chemicals, including several neonicotinoid insecticides and degradates.

Monitoring data is available through the MDA’s annual water quality monitoring reports. Data is also available through the Pesticide Water Quality Monitoring StoryMaps, a series of interactive maps and graphs that allow users to explore and visualize detections in water across Minnesota.

Surface Water Pesticides of Concern Designation 

The Commissioner of the MDA has determined that the neonicotinoid insecticides clothianidin and imidacloprid are “surface water pesticides of concern” in accordance with the state Pesticide Management Plan (PMP). For more information on this designation and the supporting resources for the determination visit the surface water pesticides of concern page.

Detection Patterns of Neonicotinoids in Minnesota Rivers and Streams 

Three neonicotinoid insecticides, clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, are detected annually in rivers and streams. The MDA evaluated annual detection patterns for these insecticides in rivers and streams and discusses possible connections to application methods in the following document: Detection Patterns of Neonicotinoid Insecticides in Minnesota Rivers and Streams (2018 – 2022) .

Stewardship Guidelines and Best Management Practices (BMPs)

The MDA has adopted multiple stewardship guidelines and best management practices (BMPs) for a neonicotinoid use. The MDA works closely with the University of Minnesota Extension and other partners to develop BMPs and thanks all those who have reviewed and shared feedback on these documents. 

The MDA developed the following voluntary BMPs as an outcome of its special registration review on neonicotinoid insecticides and pollinators. These BMPs aim to help protect pollinators and their habitat. 

• Stewardship Guidelines and Best Management Practices for Home and Residential Use of Neonicotinoid Insecticides (PDF)
• Stewardship Guidelines and Best Management Practices for use of Soil and Foliar-applied Neonicotinoid Insecticides (PDF)
• Stewardship Guidelines and Best Management Practices for Neonicotinoid Insecticide-Treated Seed (PDF)
• Stewardship Guidelines and Best Management Practices for Pesticide Treated Seed-Infographic (PDF)
• Water Quality Best Management Practices for Agricultural Use of Clothianidin and Imidacloprid (PDF) 

The MDA developed the following water quality BMPs for clothianidin and imidacloprid in response to their designation as surface water pesticides of concern. 

Neonicotinoid Special Registration Review 

The MDA reviews new pesticide active ingredients recently approved by the EPA and currently registered pesticides with significant new uses or major label changes. It also conducts additional state-level reviews of registered pesticides and related topics when concerns arise about enforcement, labeling, or possible environmental or human health impacts. These reviews provide the Commissioner of Agriculture and the public clear information about specific pesticide products and related issues. 

In 2013, under the direction of the Minnesota legislature and the Commissioner of Agriculture (PDF), the MDA partnered with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, University of Minnesota, and Board of Water and Soil Resources to conduct a special registration review of neonicotinoid insecticides and insect pollinators for the State of Minnesota. 

The special registration review process involved the publication of a scoping document on which public comment was collected. The comments received were divided into a compilation of unique comments (PDF) and comments with a common theme (PDF). The MDA responded to comments (PDF) and revised the scoping document to address applicable comments. In August 2016, the MDA published the final special registration review, Review of Neonicotinoid Use, Registration, and Insect Pollinator Impacts (PDF). The MDA also provided an Executive summary of the special registration review of neonicotinoids (PDF). 

Last updated January 2026