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Neonicanoids #925963

Asked March 13, 2026, 10:57 AM EDT

I Have used a Bonide systemic insecticide on plants I overwintered in years past, which I have just learned is now banned in Minnesota. If I’m just using those plants to produce cuttings to place outdoors in the Spring, are they still a risk to the bees? For how long? Even if they aren’t going to flower until later in summer (begonias, impatiens, geraniums). Is there a safe alternative? Thanks for you insights.

Rice County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thanks for your question.  For me to fashion an answer, I need some more information. For the Bonide product were these granules or was it a spray?  If possible, could you take a picture of the product label that was on the container and send to us.  The reason why I need this information is because a variety of neonicotinoids exist, each one of which would have different lifetimes within the cuttings that you made.  These different lifetimes means that maybe your cuttings will be safe for insect pollinators or maybe they won't.

Thanks for consulting us.  I'll look forward to your response.


An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 13, 2026, 8:39 PM EDT

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