The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved Seclira WSG, a spot-treatment surface spray for the control of insect pests in and around buildings.

BASF New Zealand Ltd applied to import or manufacture Seclira WSG, containing dinotefuran at 400 g/kg, a chemical new to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Dinotefuran is a neonicotinoid insecticide, targeting pests such as ants, wasps, fleas, mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, bed bugs, and a range of crawling insects.

BASF New Zealand Ltd said Seclira WSG offers a new tool for biosecurity use against the brown marmorated stink bug and offers effective management of pests that can affect human health.

Dr Shaun Presow, Acting Hazardous Substances Applications Manager, says a wide range of New Zealanders will welcome another tool to control insect pests.

“Risks to the environment can be managed with controls that the EPA has set, along with any risks to human health.”

Seclira WSG can only be used by professionals and is not intended for use by the general public. It is not expected to pose any significant risk when used in line with the controls and label instructions. The risks are also minimised due to the localised, spot treatment application in and around domestic, agricultural, commercial, industrial, and public buildings.

EPA Chief Executive Dr Allan Freeth made the decision to approve Seclira WSG in New Zealand after the EPA carried out a robust evidence-based human health and environmental assessment.

ACVM approval is not required as Seclira WSG is intended for non-food related uses.

Seclira WSG has been approved in Australia, Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America for the same or similar use as proposed for New Zealand.

Read the decision document here.

Find out more and  have your say 

For more information contact:

Email: media@epa.govt.nz

https://www.epa.govt.nz/

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Important Disclaimer for Greenhouse Growers

While Seclira WSG has registration for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) control, it is not registered as a greenhouse crop protection product. Seclira WSG is primarily a structural and perimeter insecticide designed for nuisance pests around buildings.

Greenhouse vegetable growers should not interpret BMSB registration as approval for use within crop protection programmes. Dinotefuran, the active ingredient, may adversely affect pollinators and beneficial insects that are critical to modern greenhouse production systems.

Any use should be limited to approved label situations and directions. Always consult the product label and seek professional advice before considering applications around greenhouse facilities.