Pesticide Update: Pyrethroids

Over the past year, I’ve kept an eye out for the right resources to share with you about the pyrethroid label changes that are happening. At the Entomological Society of America (ESA) Annual Meeting, I saw a video that was just what I was looking for. Pyrethroids are very common in structural pest control so these changes do apply to pesticide applications at your properties. 

Background: Pyrethroids are chemicals that are made to mimic pyrethrum, an insecticidal chemical that chrysanthemum flowers produce. Next time you’re at the grocery store, take a look at the labels of the pesticides on the shelf. Active ingredients that end in “—thrin” or “—ate” are usually pyrethroids. These pesticides work by messing up the nervous system of insects. For a more in-depth look at this class of pesticides, read this page. 

Research that found pyrethroids in storm water and the sediment at the bottom of urban waterways helped motivate the label changes we’re beginning to see on the shelves. The new label directions limit most of the outdoor use of pyrethroids to crack and crevice and spot treatments. Applicators have to be very careful when applying pyrethroid products near non-porous surfaces (like sidewalks). The new regulations are specific, many are enforceable, and the labels are worded differently in California. Please take a moment to fully educate yourself:

• Watch this video to see how the new label wording will change pyrethroid applications: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nqd4p6etBtc (Note: this video was done for California applicators.)
• If you don’t apply pesticides commercially, but want to use pyrethroids at home in a responsible way: http://www.applyresponsibly.org/pyrethroids.html
• If you hold a pesticide applicator’s license and are responsible for pest management around others’ homes, check out this webs
  ite and sign up to receive updates: http://www.pwg2pmp.com/ 

In the past, my summaries from ESA have been very popular blog posts. I love that you all want to stay on the cutting edge. This year I wasn’t able to attend the research presentations at ESA. Luckily, Mike Merchant posted about the talks he attended. I highly recommend you read these posts (and sign up for Mike’s excellent blog).

• “Entomology in Knoxville: Human health”
• “Entomology in Knoxville: Bed bugs, Ants and Others”

 

I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season and your joy continues into the new year!