The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced yesterday that new labels will be required for products containing the neonicotinoids imidacloprid, dinotefuran, clothianidin and thiamethoxam, and these pesticide products will be prohibited when bees are present.

“Multiple factors play a role in bee colony declines, including pesticides. The Environmental Protection Agency is taking action to protect bees from pesticide exposure and these label changes will further our efforts,” said Jim Jones, assistant administrator for the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.

The new labels will have a bee advisory box and icon with information on routes of exposure and spray drift precautions. Today’s announcement affects products containing the neonicotinoids imidacloprid, dinotefuran, clothianidin and thiamethoxam. The EPA will work with pesticide manufacturers to change labels so that they will meet the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) safety standard.

The EPA recently sent letters to pesticide manufacturers regarding the new labels, the hazard icon, and the language to be used.

Click here for the letter and the “Pollinator Protection Box,” which you will find on page four.

Click here for a “Bee Labeling Info Graphic.”