Home and Garden Pest Control - Questions and answers about safety and alterbatives in Home and Garden Pest Control

What are pesticides?

Pesticides are chemical or biological substances designed to kill, control or repel a variety of living organisms such as insects (insecticides), weeds (herbicides), mold or fungus (fungicides) and rodents (rodenticides). They are poisons. Pesticide products include active ingredients (chemical compounds designed to destroy or control the target organisms) and so-called "inert" ingredients, which are used as carriers for the active ingredients, to help dissolve them, to make them easier to apply or to preserve them. Some "inert" ingredients may also be poisons.

When pesticides are registered by the EPA, does this mean they are safe?

EPA registration is not a consumer product safety program. In fact, federal law prohibits manufacturers from making claims that EPA registration of their products means they are safe. When the EPA registers a pesticide, it determines, among other things, how the pesticide must be used to minimize any risks and what information must be printed on the label. Registration is a balancing act between a pesticide's benefits and its accompanying risks. Many pesticides used today were registered with the EPA before pesticide testing requirements were strengthened by Congress in 1978. As a result, many of the pesticides used in homes have not been subjected to the full range of tests currently required for new products. EPA is now reviewing these products, and requiring additional testing, in a reregistration process which will not be completed for years to come. In the meantime, products registered under the earlier, less stringent guidelines remain on the market and in use.

What do we know about the potential health effects of pesticides commonly used in and around our homes?

Pesticides may cause acute health effects (like skin irritation or respiratory distress) which occur shortly after exposure and chronic health effects (like cancer or reproductive problems) which may not be apparent until months or years after exposure. Two pesticides commonly used in lawn care, maneb and chlorthalonil, have been identified by the EPA as probable carcinogens. Carbaryl and chlorthaldimethyl, also commonly used in lawn care, are classified as possible carcinogens by EPA. 2,4-D, a widely used herbicide, may also be carcinogenic, based upon studies by the National Cancer Institute. The EPA is concerned about the risk of cancer posed by a number of other lawn care pesticides. For at least three lawn care pesticides, including dicamba, malathion, and methoxychlor, carcinogenicity studies requested from the manufacturers have either not yet been submitted or have not yet been reviewed to the EPA's satisfaction. Some of these and other pesticides have already been found to cause long-term health effects in laboratory animals or humans, including birth defects, gene mutations, nervous system damage or liver and kidney damage. The EPA has also requested additional studies on long-term health effects for numerous lawn care pesticides. Several may also cause short-term damage to the central nervous system of humans. The EPA has also identified lawn care pesticides that cause more immediate health effects such as eye, skin or throat irritation in humans or animals.

Several chemicals used as active ingredients in insecticide products for indoor use are toxic to the nervous system. These include chlorpyrifos (Dursban), phoxim (Baythion), n-methyl carbamate (Propoxur), and diazinon. EPA lists propoxur as a probable human carcinogen and dichlorvos (a poison used in pest strips) and carbaryl (used for fleas and ticks on pets) as possible human carcinogens. Other adverse effects associated with the active ingredients in household pesticides include birth defects, liver and kidney damage and irritation of the skin, eyes, nose throat, lungs and digestive system. As for the adverse effects which may be caused or contributed to by the "inert" ingredients in pesticides, we can only wonder. These ingredients are generally not identified on the product label and their identity is treated as confidential business information by EPA.

How are people exposed to pesticides in and around the home?

Pesticides can be absorbed through the skin, swallowed or inhaled. Exposures may come from contact with treated grass or from mists or sprays during application. Or, exposures may come indirectly from food, drink or household items contaminated by the application. Pets may also suffer from pesticide exposure, and may contribute to human exposure by, for instance, tracking lawn and garden pesticides into the house. EPA is concerned about the general lack of information on the exposure of individuals to lawn care pesticides after application. To address this and related questions, it convened a panel of experts to develop guidelines to assess post-application exposure in residences. The actual assessment has not been completed.

EPA is concerned about the general lack of information on the non-occupational exposure of individuals to pesticides. To address this and related questions, it has sponsored studies to obtain more information about the extent of post-application exposure in homes. Hopefully these studies will allow EPA to perform more informed assessments of pesticides in the future.

Can household pesticides harm my pets?

Yes. Many household pesticides carry warnings on their labels cautioning people to keep pets away from treated areas. In the case of flea powders and other pet pesticides, warning labels usually state application rates and the minimum age of any pet to be treated, to avoid illness. As is the case for warnings about human health hazards, these guidelines cannot assure that your pet will suffer no adverse effects. Pesticides are known to poison fish and other forms of wildlife when used outdoors; a similar health hazard exists for aquarium fish and pet birds during and after pesticide application. Diazinon, available for home insect control, is prohibited for use as an insecticide on sod farms and golf courses because it has killed ducks, geese and other water fowl. It is likely to be hazardous to pet birds, if they are exposed.

Can pesticides cause environmental problems?

Yes. Pesticides can contaminate soil and water and many of them carry such warnings on their labels. In agricultural areas in New York State and around the country, drinking water wells have been closed due to pesticide contamination of groundwater. When it rains, pesticides are carried by storm drains into streams and rivers, where they can kill small plants and animals that fish depend on for food. Pesticides can also poison fish and wildlife. As discussed above, diazinon has killed ducks, geese and other water fowl. There is substantial evidence that it also has killed song-birds.

In New York State, what information must pest control companies provide to customers?

Lawn care companies are required by state law to provide customers with a written contract in advance of service that shows approximate date or dates of application, number of applications, and total cost for the service. The company must supply a list of substances to be applied, including brand name and generic names of active ingredients, any health warnings that appear on the label of the pesticides to be applied, and the company name, address, phone number, business registration number and applicator certification identification number.

The company must post signs on the area sprayed that are clearly visible to persons entering the property. Signs must be in place on the day pesticides are applied and remain in place at least 24 hours. These requirements are contained in Article 33, Title 10 of the Environmental Conservation Law.

Under current law, the pesticide applicator must supply the owner or his/her agent with a written copy of all of the information contained on the label of the pesticide to be applied, including all warnings, prior to a pesticide application. Upon request, the owner/agent must make such information available to residents at reasonable times.

At present, pesticide applicators are not required to post notices either before or after indoor pesticide applications, and there is no legal right to receive any notice prior to a neighbor's pesticide application. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation is drafting rules to address these concerns. However, you can talk to other tenants and building management to persuade them to reduce pesticide use by showing them that alternatives exist.

Is it possible to control household pests without using chemicals?

Yes. Pests can be eliminated or significantly reduced by the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices which use a combination of non-chemical and least toxic controls. IPM seeks to reduce the use of toxic chemical pesticides by controlling pests with the least toxic methods having the least impact on human health and the environment. IPM assumes that a pest need only be controlled when it becomes a nuisance or economically significant. This approach requires monitoring and record keeping to identify the presence and levels of pests and their natural enemies. When an injury level sufficient to warrant control has been reached, the type of action necessary should be based on the pest population size and other variables. Appropriate action may include a variety of treatments, including mechanical controls (eg. traps), physical barriers (eg. caulking), and chemical controls such as hormones (eg. fly strips that contain sex attractants) to confuse the pest, arrest its development, or interfere with its breeding. Pesticides should be used only as a last resort, and then only in a manner designed to minimize exposure of people and other non-target organisms.

IPM may be practiced either by homeowners or by licensed pest-control operators. If you decide to hire a commercial firm, be sure that the IPM program satisfies your requirements for good planning and responsible pest management. Do-it-yourselfers can find IPM supplies at home and garden stores as well as through mail-order catalogues.

Can I have an attractive lawn without pesticides?

Yes. Before using pesticides, first ask yourself if your lawn truly has a pest problem. Lawn care companies and homeowners sometimes apply pesticides as a preventive measure even when no insect or weed problem exists. All types of healthy outdoor environments, including parks, woodlands, wetlands and meadows, are made up of a variety of insect, plant and animal life, most of which are not at all harmful or unattractive. Unwanted lawn "pests" and other problems tend to occur when lawns are not given proper water, are cut improperly, have excess thatch, are over-fertilized or planted with the wrong mixture of grass seed. By identifying and correcting these conditions you should be able to maintain an attractive lawn without using pesticides.

If you do have a lawn problem you may choose to address it by following least toxic, least impact pest management practices. These practices, often called Integrated Pest Management (IPM), use non-chemical alternatives like biological pest controls and least-toxic chemicals to reduce or even eliminate the need for the more toxic chemical controls. For example, grub infestation in a lawn may be addressed by mechanical means, by the use of commonly available products containing bacteria or microscopic worms (beneficial nematodes) which infect and kill the grubs, and by traps which control the adult beetles which produce the grubs. At the heart of IPM is prevention by good planning and maintenance. Some commercial firms offer integrated pest management services. You should exercise caution in selecting a contractor to implement an IPM program. Have a clear idea of what you want, and choose a contractor with the training, experience and equipment needed to deliver it. Be aware that a wide variety of services may be offered as "integrated pest management" and that not all will necessarily fit your requirements. Supplies are also available at home and garden centers and by mail for do-it-yourselfers. Several references, listed below, provide useful information on IPM for lawns.

Can I control indoor pests without pesticides?

Yes. Although the specific methods and materials will vary with the pest and with your particular circumstances, many non-chemical controls are available. In general, good housekeeping and cleanliness will help to deny pests access to your home, eliminate shelter and hiding places for the pests and/or remove their supply of food and water. Without these critical elements, pests will not establish or persist in your home. Traps may help to eliminate those pests that have already entered your home. Consult the references listed below, the Cooperative Extension Service, or a knowledgeable and qualified pest control professional for specific remedies for particular problems.

Are pesticide applicators required to have insurance?

If I have a complaint about a pesticide applicator company, where can I complain or find out more information?

For complaints about advertising claims, contract disputes or other problems, contact the New York State Attorney General's Environmental Protection Bureau (518-473-3105 or 212-416-8446) or the Consumer Frauds Bureau (518-474-7311 or 212-416-8300). You may also contact the Attorney General's regional office nearest you at 1-800-771-7755.

Where can I find additional information concerning lawn care pesticides?

Call the National Pesticides Telecommunications Network at 1-800-858-7378 (6:30am-4:30pm pacific time)or the New Mexico Poison Control Center at (505) 843-2551 for health effects information.

Information on health effects and alternatives to pesticides may also be obtained from the National Coalition Against the Misuse of Pesticides (202-543-5450) and the New York Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides 353 Hamilton St. Albany NY 12210 (518-426-8246).

The following books, reports and articles may also be of interest:

"Lawn Care Pesticides: Risks Remain Uncertain While Prohibited Safety Claims Continue", U.S.General Accounting Office, March 1990, 26 pp. Order from U.S.G.A.O., P.O. Box 6015, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877, (202) 275-6241.

"Lawn Care without Pesticides", Dr. Norman W. Hummel, available at no cost from your county Cooperative Extension office, or Dr. Hummel's office, Cornell University, 20 Plant Sciences Building, Ithaca, New York 14853, (607) 255-1629.

"Common Sense Pest Control: Least toxic solutions for your home, garden, pets and community", Wm. Olkowski, S. Daar and H. Olkowski, 1991. Taunton Press, Newtown, Ct. 736 pp.

"The Chemical-Free Lawn", W. Schultz, 1989. Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA. 194 pp.

"The Natural Lawn and Alternatives." Plants and Gardens-Brooklyn Botanic Garden Record, Vol 49, No. 3, Autumn, 1993.

"A Consumer's Guide to Natural Organic Ecological Landscapers", New York Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, April, 1993.

"Safer Ways to Banish Bugs", Consumer Reports. June 1997. pages 48-51