EPA tightens methomyl rules to protect endangered species

The US Environmental Protection Agency has approved new label requirements for the insecticide methomyl, adding runoff controls, drift reduction measures, and geographic restrictions aimed at safeguarding endangered species and sensitive habitats. The move follows a 2024 biological opinion from the National Marine Fisheries Service, which found methomyl use was likely to adversely affect dozens of species under its jurisdiction.

Methomyl, used on a range of crops from vegetables to orchard fruit, is now classified entirely as a restricted-use pesticide, meaning it may only be applied by certified applicators. The last remaining non-restricted product has been reclassified at the request of its registrant.

EPA’s updated labels include maximum annual application rate limits, incident reporting requirements, and instructions for applicators to check the agency’s online Bulletins Live! Two platform for location-specific restrictions and the EPA’s APPRIL database for updated product labels. The measures are intended to cut chemical exposure to 61 listed species and 56 critical habitats identified by NMFS as at risk.

The changes reflect a growing regulatory focus on biodiversity protection in pesticide oversight. While the action applies only to US growers, similar reviews in other jurisdictions could affect international markets for methomyl and related active ingredients.