Acephate is commonly used as a seed treatment (ST) in precision agriculture, but its impact on pollinators, earthworms, and soil microorganisms remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the fate of acephate seed dressing (SD) and seed coating (SC) treatments and assess potential risks to bees, earthworms, and soil microorganisms. Additionally, a follow-up study on maize seeds treated with acephate in a greenhouse was conducted to evaluate the maize growth process and the dissipation dynamics of the insecticide. The results indicated that acephate SC led to greater uptake and translocation in maize plants, resulting in lower residue levels in the soil. However, high concentrations of acephate metabolites in the soil had a negative impact on the body weight of earthworms, whereas acephate itself did not. The potential risk to bees from exposure to acephate ST was determined to be low, but dose-dependent effects were observed. Furthermore, acephate ST had no significant effect on soil bacterial community diversity and abundance compared to a control. This study provides valuable insights into the uptake and translocation of acephate SD and SC, and indicates that SC is safer than SD in terms of adverse effects on bees and nontarget soil organisms. Synopsis This study evaluated the ecological safety of acephate seed treatment on maize seeds, soil microorganisms, earthworms and bees, as well as its efficacy against pests. Display omitted •ST promotes seedling growth in maize.•SC is more effective than SD against S. frugiperda.•Exposure risks of acephate and methamidophos to bees were assessed.•The impact of ST on soil microbial community diversity and abundance was analyzed.•Potential risks to earthworms was determined using artificial and natural soils.