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CONSUMER ALERT: EPA Advises Care When Selecting Pesticides for Bedbug Control

August 16, 2010

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) wants to alert consumers that there has been an increase of individuals or companies who offer to control bedbugs with unrealistic promises of effectiveness or low cost. Because bed bug infestations are so difficult to control, there have been situations where pesticides that are not intended for indoor residential applications have been improperly used or applied at greater rates than the label allows. While controlling bedbugs is challenging, consumers should never use, or allow anyone else to use, a pesticide indoors that is intended for outdoor use, as indicated on the label. Using the wrong pesticide or using it incorrectly to treat for bedbugs can make you, your family, and your pets sick. It can also make your home unsafe to live in - and may not solve the bedbug problem.

College of Ag Sciences Faculty, Staff Honored for Plum Pox Eradication

August 16, 2010

Seven members of the faculty and staff in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences received an Honor Award from U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on Aug. 3 for their efforts in helping to wipe out plum pox virus in Pennsylvania. USDA Honor Awards recognize accomplishments that help ensure access to safe, nutritious and balanced meals for America's children. Read the full story on Live: http://live.psu.edu/story/47727/nw69

Revised Web Page Describing When Cleaning Products are Pesticides under FIFRA

July 31, 2010

On July 23, 2010, EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs updated its Web page to describe the regulatory background and longstanding policy concerning pesticidal claims on unregistered cleaning products.

Agriculture Department Reminds Pesticide Applicators to Use Safe Procedures, Keep Licenses Current

June 14, 2010

Harrisburg – Pesticide applicators and users should make responsible decisions and use pesticides and pest management alternatives in a safe, proper and legal manner, Agriculture Secretary Russell C. Redding said today. “We enjoy an abundant food supply, in part because of the responsible use of pesticides in Pennsylvania,” said Redding. “Through the state’s licensing and continuing education process, we can ensure those who apply pesticides are using the most up-to-date methods available.”

Texas Company Fined $128,300 for Violating Pesticide Law

April 16, 2010

A Texas pesticide producing company has agreed to settle a complaint brought by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for violating a federal pesticides law designed to provide proper registration, distribution, and sale of pesticides, EPA announced recently.

EPA Announces New Restrictions on Fumigants to Reduce Risks to Children

April 7, 2010

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is requiring new restrictions on aluminum and magnesium phosphide products to better protect people, especially children, from dangerous exposures.

EPA Takes Action to Establish New Bug Bomb Labeling Requirements to Improve Safety and Reduce Risk

March 24, 2010

Today, EPA is taking action to improve residential safety and reduce risks associated with bug bombs, or total release foggers (TRFs). The Agency is calling for significant changes to their labeling to address the most common causes of exposure incidents associated with TRFs.

EPA to Increase Restrictions on Flea and Tick Products, Cautions Consumers to Use Products with Extra Care

March 17, 2010

Due to a significant increase in adverse incidents, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is taking a series of actions to increase the safety of spot-on pesticide products for flea and tick control for cats and dogs.

CHEMSWEEP Program is Back for 2010

March 12, 2010

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has announced the 21 counties participating in this year’s CHEMSWEEP Pesticide Disposal Program. The counties included are...

Public Availability of Identities of Inert Ingredients; Extension of Comment Period

February 24, 2010

EPA issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rule Making concerning the initiation of rulemaking to increase public availability of the identities of the inert ingredients in pesticide products.

Second Layton girl dies in case of possible pesticide poisoning

February 10, 2010

A Layton family has lost its second daughter since toxic pesticide fumes apparently wafted into their home last weekend. Rachel Toone, 15 months, died Tuesday at Primary Children's Medical Center. Three days earlier her 4-year-old sister, Rebecca, died at Davis Hospital after she had begun struggling to breathe in the family's home.

Unscrupulous Vendors Market Unapproved Flu Disinfectant Products

November 30, 2009

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is warning consumers to beware of unscrupulous vendors who may market ineffective and unregistered products or services that claim to disinfect surfaces or entire rooms against the H1N1 influenza virus. In the current flu-conscious climate, heightened anxiety about the spread of the H1N1 virus has bred false claims in the marketplace.

EPA Orders Scotts to Stop Selling Certain Pesticides

April 23, 2008

In Spring 2008, EPA began issuing enforcement actions against The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company and its affiliates (Marysville, OH) due to problems that have been identified with some of its products.

Illegal Pesticide Products

April 22, 2008

You may have seen people selling them on the street or in small neighborhood stores. They go by names like Tres Pasitos or Chalk, and they come with a guarantee to kill roaches, mice and other household pests like nothing else on the market. But most such products are illegal. And illegal pesticides can hurt much more than roaches. They can harm you and your family.