A common pesticide used to kill flies was restricted by the state of Michigan on Monday as widespread misuse of the chemical led to the changes.
Methomyl is most commonly used to control fly infestations around livestock.
But in recent years, it’s been illegally used to poison nuisance wildlife across the state.
Skunks, possums, and raccoons have been poisoned using methomyl mixed with soda.
Several dogs have been inadvertently killed this way as well.
That’s why the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (or, “MDARD”) is limiting who can buy or sell these products … only licensed vendors and pesticide applicators.
Brian Verhougstraete is with MDARD.
“When they buy that product there will be a record that they bought it. So, for someone who intends to misuse it, that could be a deterrent.”
Methomyl-based fly baits won’t be available over the counter anymore.
But MDARD says there are plenty of methomyl-free alternatives.