5 Questions with Charles Silcox

1. Who is AMGUARD?

AMGUARD Environmental Technologies is the specialty markets division of AMVAC Chemical Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Vanguard Corporation. AMGUARD portfolio companies include TyraTech, Inc., Envance Technologies, LLC, and OHP, Inc. From our Research Triangle Park, N.C. headquarters and labs, AMGUARD discovers, develops, and commercializes a diverse portfolio of proven chemistries, innovative technologies, and green solutions into the U.S. public health, pest control, ornamental & greenhouse, golf, lawn & landscape, food service, and consumer markets. At our core, we are innovators. We are committed to protecting the population from disease vectors, mitigating structural pest damage, creating healthy food service environments and outdoor living spaces, and maintaining outdoor sports and recreation venues. Our mission is to provide our customers with powerful technology solutions to keep their businesses strong and growing.

2. Have there been any changes to the Nuvan^® Prostrips^® and Nuvan^® Prostrips^®+ labels?

AMGUARD recently worked with the NYDEC and the USEPA to address contradictory language on our previous labels; specifically creating label language that clarifies their use in homes for bed bug control. A key change that occurred when the new labels were approved is that both products are now classified as Restricted Use Pesticides. AMGUARD will begin producing the Restricted Use products early in 2024. Existing products with the current label in the marketplace may be used until their stocks are depleted.

3. How will these changes impact Professional Pest Management companies?

The biggest change is that the products will be for sale to and use only by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision and only for those uses covered by the Certified Applicator’s Certification. AMGUARD receives hundreds of customer service calls each year about our Nuvan Prostrips products, and roughly 70 percent of these calls are from homeowners wanting to control bed bugs. These people will now need to use the services of a professional pest management company.

4. Do the amended labels include new uses/opportunities?

First, it is now clear on the product labels that Nuvan Prostrips may be used in rooms in homes to control bed bugs. Second, the new labels allow their use in certain sites in hospitals. The previous labels totally prohibited their use in hospitals. They may now be used in appropriate sites within hospitals to control bed bug-infested gurneys, beds, electronic equipment, or other items. Finally, we receive many calls each year on using Nuvan Prostrips to control bed bugs in automobiles. This use is now allowed provided the treatment is performed by a certified applicator.

5. Can Nuvan Directed Spray Aerosol be used for bed bug control?

Absolutely! In fact, Nuvan Directed Spray Aerosol was developed primarily for bed bug control as a companion product to our Nuvan Prostrips. It kills bed bugs both on contact and through vapor action and provides excellent control of all life stages — eggs, nymphs, and adults. It is labeled for localized surface applications in homes, apartments, hotels, motels, cabins, garages, and basements, as well as in and around commercial and industrial buildings. It may be applied to mattresses, box springs, bed frames and headboards to control bed bugs.