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Learn more about Imidacloprid
Benefits to Trees
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Imidacloprid has long been a mainstay in the protection of valuable trees in many parts of the country because it is so effective in protecting so many species of trees from tree killing pests. It is also inexpensive to use and very easy to apply. It is not a restricted use insecticide so homeowners can apply it themselves. Imidacloprid is becoming increasingly important as a tool to control invasive species such as the emerald ash borer, the hemlock woolly adelgid, the Asian long horned beetle, and other tree killing pests.
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Science and Safety
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Imidacloprid passes the most stringent, up-to-date safety requirements in the world. It meets all the criteria that the EPA would consider to be a reduced risk pesticide (Dr. Allan Felsot, 2001). This is based on the overwhelming evidence of over thousands of studies.
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Water Safety and Health
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Imidacloprid poses no threat to the safety of our water supply. Imidacloprid has never exceeded the federal safety stands for drinking water or raw water and that has been proven time-and-time again in thousands of tests across the United States. It also decomposes rapidly in water and/or sunlight and does not bio-accumulate so there is little concern for surface water. Imidacloprid has a very low toxicity towards fish.
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Bee Impact
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Most trees are NOT bee pollinated. The latest research by the USDA shows that the evidence for bee colony collapse in commercial hives points toward other causes for collapse such as a group of viruses and a parasite. Despite imidacloprid being banned in France in 1999, bee colony collapse disorder is still a major issue. In Australia, where there is widespread use of imidacloprid, there is no bee colony collapse disorder
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Mammals, Birds and Fish
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While many materials can be toxic or have adverse effects on mammals, birds or fish in high enough quantities, the amount necessary to inflict Imidacloprid poisoning on animals is exponentially greater than the amount used on a tree. Interestingly enough, Imidacloprid is commonly used on dogs for flea and tick protection and is one of the few pesticides allowed inside of the home for the treatment of bed bugs.
