Eileen Chabot

I strongly support this Bill to restrict the use of highly toxic neonicotinoids, and strongly urge you to Vote to Pass this Bill. Neonicotinoids are applied primarily by agriculturalists (but also retailers of ornamental and native plants), to control destructive mites, aphids, and other “pesty” insect species. Not only are they highly toxic, but these poisons persist in roots, soil, and water bodies, residing in environments long after initial application. Their widespread and indiscriminate use threatens not just target species, but also myriads of non-target organisms, including essential pollinators - native bees, moths, and ants. Predatory insects such as wasps, ladybugs, and lacewings, who assist farmers by controlling pests, also suffer secondary exposure. Earthworms and beetle larvae that are very beneficial in gardens will die in the contaminated soil from application of the neonicotinoids.