College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences; Public Service and Agriculture

Rodenticide use to be restricted under new statewide regulations

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CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson University regulators are imposing a statewide, one-year restriction on the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides, known as SGARs, after research confirmed the chemicals are affecting non-target wildlife. In some cases, wildlife that feed on rodents have died from exposure to the chemicals.

The decision follows efforts that began in 2020 to reduce SGAR use in sensitive ecological areas through public education and voluntary programs. It also comes after an extended public comment period, which included dialogue with state and national pesticide industry members.

Clemson’s Department of Pesticide Regulation is taking the action under state pesticide regulation Chapter 27–1075, Section B. Under the new restrictions, which take effect Feb. 1, 2025:

  • 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.

“We have designed these restrictions so that certified pest control applicators and the agricultural industry will be minimally impacted. We will provide compliance assistance to all retailers during our visits should they choose to continue selling SGARs, including a window of time to achieve compliance,” 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 later in 2025.

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with Clemson University’s Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation, along with other published and unpublished scientific data, show that active ingredients in SGARs have a high potential to cause adverse effects to non-target wildlife, even when used correctly under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 implement these restrictions,” said Steve Cole, executive director of Clemson Regulatory and Public Service Programs.

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