AUGUSTA, Maine — New statewide restrictions on several commonly used rodenticides and herbicides are now in effect, changing how certain pest-control products can be purchased and used across Maine.
The Maine Board of Pesticides Control (BPC) announced that, effective June 16, 2026, products containing several high-risk pesticide ingredients have officially been reclassified as Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs). The change impacts homeowners, retailers, licensed applicators, farmers, landscapers, and anyone relocating to Maine who may be unfamiliar with the state’s pesticide regulations.
For individuals planning to purchase a home or maintain property in Maine, understanding these new rules is an important part of responsible homeownership.
Which Products Are Affected?
The following active ingredients are now classified as Restricted Use Pesticides in Maine.
Rodenticides
- Brodifacoum
- Bromadiolone
- Difenacoum
- Difethialone
These anticoagulant rodenticides are commonly used to control rats and mice.
Herbicides
- Tebuthiuron
Tebuthiuron is a long-lasting herbicide primarily used for brush and woody plant control.
Who Can Purchase and Use These Products?
Under the new regulations, only individuals holding a valid Maine pesticide applicator license issued by the Maine Board of Pesticides Control may purchase or apply products containing these ingredients.
This means:
- Homeowners without a pesticide applicator license may no longer purchase these products.
- Unlicensed individuals may no longer use products containing these active ingredients.
- General Use Pesticide Dealers are no longer permitted to sell these products to the general public.
The new rules are intended to reduce risks associated with these chemicals while promoting safer pesticide use throughout the state.
What Should Homeowners Do?
If you already own products containing any of the newly restricted ingredients, the Maine Board of Pesticides Control says those products may no longer be used by unlicensed individuals.
Instead, homeowners should:
- Store the products safely and securely.
- Keep them away from children and pets.
- Dispose of them properly through approved hazardous waste programs.
Residents are encouraged to contact their local municipality or regional waste authority to learn about upcoming Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events, where these products can be disposed of safely.
Why Maine Is Making the Change
Maine has long maintained some of the nation’s strongest environmental protections, particularly when it comes to pesticides that may affect wildlife, domestic animals, water quality, and public health.
Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides such as brodifacoum and bromadiolone have been associated with unintended poisoning of birds of prey, foxes, bobcats, and other wildlife that consume poisoned rodents. Tebuthiuron is also closely regulated because of its persistence in the environment.
By limiting access to licensed professionals who receive specialized training, state officials aim to reduce accidental misuse while ensuring these products are applied safely and appropriately.
What This Means for People Moving to Maine
For newcomers relocating from states with different pesticide regulations, these changes highlight one of the many ways Maine prioritizes environmental stewardship.
If you’re buying a home with acreage, managing rental property, maintaining camps, or caring for large rural lots, you may find that some pest-control products you’ve used elsewhere require a licensed applicator in Maine.
Before purchasing pesticides, homeowners should always verify whether a product is classified as a General Use or Restricted Use Pesticide under Maine law.
As more residents choose Maine for its natural beauty and outdoor lifestyle, understanding state environmental regulations can help homeowners protect their property while preserving the ecosystems that make the Pine Tree State unique.