Feb 14, 2022

Michigan classifies methomyl as a restricted use pesticide

Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) Director Gary McDowell on Feb. 14 issued an order declaring all formulations of the insecticide methomyl as a restricted use pesticide. This action was taken due to a report made to the department about widespread misuse of the product, which is highly toxic to humans and other mammals.

The order went into effect Feb. 14, 2022.

“In recent years, MDARD has investigated dozens of incidents of intentional misuse of methomyl-based fly bait products used to kill nuisance wildlife such as skunks and raccoons. Sadly, the victims of this misuse are sometimes also companion animals such as cats and dogs,” said MDARD Director Gary McDowell. “Protecting the health of our animals and ensuring proper use of pesticides is paramount. Remember, in Michigan, the label is the law when it comes to pesticides.”

Currently, only one product registered in Michigan will be impacted by this proposed order, a fly bait product sold under the brand name Golden Malrin. Golden Malrin’s intended use is a fly control in agricultural settings. There are several other highly effective fly baits available in Michigan that do not contain methomyl, are not classified as restricted use, and are less acutely toxic to mammals. These products include:

• EverGreen Pyrethrum Dust
• Maxforce Granular Fly Bait
• Revenge Dust-on Fly, Lice & Tick Control
• StarBar Cyanarox Insecticidal Bait
• StarBar Quikstrike Fly Bait
• Zyrox Fly Granular Bait

MDARD requires anyone selling restricted use pesticides (RUP) to hold a RUP dealer license and those purchasing RUPs be certified pesticide applicators. Designating methomyl as restricted use will ensure only licensed businesses and certified applicators will have access to the chemical.  For more information about MDARD’s RUP dealer licensing program, please visit www.Michigan.gov/RUP

“These stronger regulatory controls ensure only trained and certified pesticide applicators will have access to this chemical,” added McDowell. “This new measure will also make it easier for MDARD to respond to any future allegations of misuse.”

Read the order online and learn more about restricted use pesticides at www.Michigan.gov/RUP. The order is also available online at https://www.michigan.gov/mdard/-/media/Project/Websites/mdard/documents/pesticide-plant-pest/pesticide/2022_02_14_Methomyl_Order.pdf