Attention Pesticide Dealers and Applicators

Effective June 16, 2026, new rules adopted by the Maine Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) classify certain rodenticides and herbicides as Restricted-Use Pesticides in Maine.

As of that date

• General Use Pesticide dealers may no longer sell these products.
• Individuals who are not licensed by the BPC may no longer purchase or use these products.

Affected Active Ingredients

Rodenticides

• Brodifacoum
• Bromadiolone
• Difenacoum
• Difethialone

Herbicides

• Tebuthiuron

Products containing these active ingredients may be sold only by Restricted-Use Pesticide dealers and may be purchased and used only by Maine-licensed Private and Commercial Applicators.

For General Use Pesticide Dealers

If you have any of these products in stock, they may no longer be offered for sale. Please contact your distributor regarding return options or arrange for disposal through a licensed hazardous waste disposal company. Contact the BPC Compliance Manager, José Gayoso, jose.gayoso@maine.gov, with questions about disposal.

For Applicators and Users

Pesticides containing Brodifacoum, Bromadiolone, Difenacoum, Difethialone, or Tebuthiuron may not be purchased or used by individuals who do not hold a current pesticide applicator license issued by the BPC.

This action implements legislation enacted by the 132nd Maine Legislature, including:

• LD 356, Resolve, Directing the Board of Pesticides Control to Prohibit the Use of Rodenticides in Outdoor Residential Settings (Resolve 2026, Chapter 47)
• LD 1697, An Act to Increase Penalties to Deter Violations of the Laws Regarding Improper Pesticide Use (Public Law 2026, Chapter 292)

These laws were intended to restrict homeowner and other unlicensed use of Second-Generation Anticoagulant Rodenticides (SGARs) and herbicides containing Tebuthiuron.

A list of currently registered products affected by this rule is available on the BPC website. The list was generated on June 23, 2026, and may not include products that seek future registration in Maine. For the most current information on registered pesticide products, visit the BPC website.

Becoming a Restricted Use Pesticide Dealer

Dealers wishing to sell these products must:

• Pass the written dealer examination with a score of 80% or higher;
• Obtain a Restricted Use Pesticide Dealer License ($60 for a three-year license); and
• Earn nine continuing education credits during each licensing period.

The complete rule language can be found in 01-026 CMR Chapter 40.

For additional information, contact the BPC at pesticides@maine.gov or 207-287-2731.