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Insecticide Cancellation Update - June 2001 What now? Recent changes in products available for homeowners has many people scratching their heads on what insecticide to use for home gardens and landscapes. The major changes have been diazinon, chlorpyrifos, and methoxychlor. Homeowner uses have been cancelled for these products, as well as some agriculture crop uses.
Diazinon and chlorpyrifos are organophosates, chemicals derived from nerve gas agents developed during World War II. Organophosates are the first set of pesticides under review through the Food Quality and Protection Act (FQPA) which sets a more stringent safety standard for most pesticides and offers special protection for children. Methoxychlor is an organochlorine, also reviewed through the FQPA. These insecticides have been used in homes, garden, lawns and farms. Replacements What can be used to replace the products being cancelled? Products from the pyrethoid family of insecticides are being widely used as replacements. Pyrethoids are synthetic pyrethrin-like compounds. Examples of active ingredients on the label which are pyrethroids include permethrin and cyfluthrin. For the most part, consumers will not recognize the change. A "Raid" is a "Raid," but it may not smell the same. And, for those making recommendations, or dealing with suspected illnesses, knowing the active ingredient makes a difference. (For instance, pyrethroids can be irritating to some people's breathing or throat.) The trade name, such as Raid, is not tied to the active ingredient, so the company can retain the name recognized by consumers. Homeowners can continue to use existing stocks of the following chemicals according to label directions. But, it is illegal for garden centers, hardware stores or others to sell cancelled products after dates indicated in the following phaseouts. Diazinon All non-agricultural outdoor uses of Diazinon have been cancelled. This includes home lawns and gardens or any other outdoor residential or outdoor non-agricultural use.
All indoor uses of Diazinon have been cancelled. This includes homes, schools, stores and other enclosed areas. Also included in this list is greenhouses.
Some of the food crops uses for Diazinon cancelled in February, 2001, were: beans (dried), peppers, celery, irish and sweet potatoes, red chicory (radicchio), spinach, cowpeas, squash (summer and winter), cucumbers, strawberries, dandelions, swiss chard, parsley, tomatoes, parsnips and turnips. Chlorpyrifos Known as Dursban, Lorsban and other names, chlorpyrifos has been a widely used insecticide. Most agriculture uses of chlorpyrifos still remain. Following is a summary of some cancelled uses: Most indoor uses, including crack and crevice, and any indoor areas where children could be exposed. This also includes flea collars and other pet products. Outdoor uses for lawns and landscape including ant, hornet and wasp sprays have been cancelled.
EPA has limited the termiticide solution rate to 0.5%. This reduced rate is not supported by the Ohio Department of Agriculture because of efficacy concerns. So, the matter is currently under review; with action pending regarding registration in Ohio. The food uses affected include apples (pre-bloom only), grapes (tolerances lowered) and tomatoes (all uses cancelled). Chlorpyrifos used in other agriculture applications must be in large containers or classified for restricted use. Methoxychlor Methoxychlor was suspended on January 14, 2000 when EPA issued a suspension order to Kincaid Enterprises, Inc. who manufactured the product. It is an organochlorine insecticide which was originally registered as a replacement for DDT. Methoxychlor was used on fruits and vegetables to control a variety of pests and is also used to control certain pests on livestock. The order was issued because the registrant failed to submit studies required to support re-registration of the chemical and is based on the requirements of a settlement agreement.
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