11/04/2026
Policy Update From NH Audubon's Senior Advisor for Science and Policy, Carol Foss: Upcoming Pesticide Control Board Hearing
"I am very pleased to report that the NH Pesticide Control Board has unanimously approved draft rules classifying the four Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (or, SGARs ((Brodifacoum, Bromadiolone, Difenacoum, and Difethialone)) as restricted use pesticides in New Hampshire. This classification requires sales only by licensed dealers and purchase only by licensed applicators, banning purchase and use by general consumers. While this rule will not entirely eliminate exposure of New Hampshire’s wildlife to secondary poisoning from these rodenticides, it is an important step in the right direction. Dealers will be required to maintain records of all sales of restricted use pesticides, including date of sale, permit number of purchaser, quantity and brand name of pesticide purchased, and concentration of active ingredient.
An additional proposed amendment includes restrictions on some uses of neonicotinoid insecticides. Wide use of these pesticides has led to dramatic declines in insect populations, especially bees, and significant reductions in bird populations, particularly grassland and insectivorous species.
The proposed rules can be accessed here:https://mm.nh.gov/files/uploads/agriculture/documents/pes-700-draft-8-3-26.pdf
The NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food has scheduled a public hearing on the draft rule changes for 9:30am on Monday, November 16, at the Brown Building, NH Department of Health and Human Services, 129 Pleasant Street, Concord. This building is within the former State Hospital campus, which has access from both Pleasant Street and from South Fruit Street.
If you are unable to attend the hearing and would like to submit comments on either or both proposals, you may submit written comments to [email protected] by Tuesday, November 24, 2026. Comments should indicate the rule (Chapter Pes 700) and any specific sections (e.g., Pes 701.06) you are discussing."
Photo by Jim Sparrell.
