CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson University pesticide regulators are extending a statewide restriction on the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, known as SGARs.
The original one-year restriction was enacted on February 1, 2025, under state pesticide regulation, Chapter 27–1075, Section B. The restriction will be extended indefinitely.
Clemson’s Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) restricted the use of SGARs after research showed evidence that the chemicals are affecting non-target wildlife. In some cases, wildlife that feed on rodents have died from exposure to the chemicals. Under the continued restrictions:
- A dealer license will be required to sell SGARs.
- Dealers must maintain records of all SGAR sales.
- Sales of SGARs will be limited to certified applicators, including commercial, noncommercial and private users.
- Verifiably trained technicians may apply SGARs commercially under the supervision of a certified applicator.
In 2025, 30% of pesticide retailer inspections and less than 10% of pesticide dealer inspections resulted in enforcement actions.
The restriction of SGARs followed efforts that began in 2020 to reduce their use in sensitive ecological areas through public education and voluntary programs, and came after an extended public comment period, which included dialogue with state and national pesticide industry members.
DPR is redoubling efforts to communicate the restrictions to industry stakeholders through meetings with trade associations and monthly email communications, and will organize an industry working group to closely monitor sales and applications of SGARs.
“We have designed these restrictions so that certified pest control applicators and the agricultural industry will be minimally impacted, and we will continue to do our best to engage with industry and communicate the new regulations,” said Ryan Okey, assistant director of the Department of Pesticide Regulation.
The restrictions come as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Nov. 29, 2022, that it will propose new mitigation measures to rodenticides due to environmental concerns. The EPA is expected to release an amended proposed interim decision and final interim decision in 2026.
Researchers with Clemson University’s Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, along with other published and unpublished scientific data, show that active ingredients in SGARs have a high potential to cause adverse effects to non-target wildlife, even when used correctly under current pesticide label directions. These ingredients include: brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, and difenacoum.
“Based on the research and coupled with the pending EPA restrictions on similar SGAR products, Clemson DPR believes it makes sense to extend these restrictions,” said Steve Cole, executive director of Clemson Regulatory and Public Service Programs.
