Backtalk, June 2000

I read your article "‘For Professional Use Only’ Products Sold at Lowe’s" and wanted to let you know the same problem is cropping up at Home Depots and at some small hardware stores.

I write a small, biweekly newsletter on EPA pesticide regulations called "Pesticide Report." For the April 17 issue, my lead story was about a voluntary draft Pesticide Registration Notice that EPA has put out on insecticide label language.

In researching the story, I went to a couple of local hardware stores near my office in the Hyattsville, Md., area (Washington, D.C., suburbs) and purchased about 30 indoor-use insecticide products. I wanted to see how typical insecticide labels read now so that I could gauge how many changes would be needed for pesticide registrants to voluntarily comply with the suggested EPA language for labels.

At a local Home Depot, all products being sold were placed on shelves for the general public (or for any consumer). There was no segregation between commercial, or PCO use insecticides, and products for use by the general public.

Here are a couple of products I found and bought, no questions asked, at the College Park, Md., Home Depot:

1. SpectracidePRO Residual Insect Control Emulsifiable Concentrate, made by Spectrum Group, United Industries. (contained 3.75% synthetic pyrethroids) EPA Reg. No. 9688-144-8845. Label statement: "Only for sale to, use and storage by pest control operators."

2. SpectracidePRO Chlorpyrifos 2EC, 24.1% Insect Spray Concentrate, (24.1% chlorpyrifos). Made by Spectrum Group, United Industries. Label statement: "To be applied only by or under the direct supervision of commercial applicators responsible for insect control programs."

Then I visited a small, independent hardware store about 2 miles from my house, East-West Hardware in Hyattsville, Md. A clerk there inquired what I was looking for, and I said I was seeking a range of different indoor insecticide products. He showed me the pesticide area of the store, and stood beside me. I pulled some of these products from the shelf myself and he assisted me in getting other products from some of the taller shelves.

Among the products I was sold:

1. Zep Commercial Pest Crack & Crevice Fumigator, containing 0.4% imiprothrin, 0.5% permethrin and 1% of an ingredient listed as an insecticide synergist, MGK 264. Manufactured by Enforcer Products Inc., EPA Reg. No. 1021-1679-40849.

2. Enforcer Exterminator Plus Carpenter Ant Killer Concentrate, 35% fenvalerate, label reading "Water Soluble Powder, Recommended for Commercial and Industrial Use." EPA Reg. No. 40849-62.

3. Enforcer Flea Growth Regulator Concentrate for Fleas, 1% methoprene, made by Enforcer Products Inc. EPA Reg. No. 2724-352-40849.

4. Hot Shot Rid-a-Bug Home Insect Killer Concentrate, made by Spectrum Group, United Industries. EPA Reg. No. 9688-91-8845.

5. 707 Jackpot Formula-IV, "Landlord’s Formula" Ant and Roach Spray, made with 0.5% diazinon. EPA Reg. No. 8848-55.

I’m mentioning the last three products because EPA frowns upon sales of concentrate products to the general public. EPA also frowns upon the sale of diazinon and chlorpyrifos products because there are strong indications that as a result of potential risks to children, and a past history of homeowner misuse of organophosphates, that the agency may soon designate some of the indoor use OPs as "restricted use" only products.

There was one product the clerk kept behind a locked glass case and retrieved for me upon request: Bengal Insecticide Concentrate, 3.48% fenvalerate, label reading: "Recommended for Commercial and Industrial Use, Specially Formulated for Use with Tank Sprayers."

The bottom line is that I think a lot of the products designed for commercial/industrial use only, or meant to be used only by trained PCOs, are getting out to the general public. There appears to be little or no control over their sale and distribution, particularly to the big warehouse-type "Do-it-Yourself" stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot.

I find this a very worrisome trend and hope that the industry can police itself without the federal government having to come in and impose a lot of regulations I know that the pesticide industry may find onerous.

Many thanks to Don Claus and the folks at FMC for honoring me with the FMC Legislative Award recognition at the recent NPMA Legislative Day event in Washington, D.C.

Unfortunately, we lost the battle to the anti-pesticide, anti-business element here in Massachusetts and will shortly have new pesticide legislation banning many pesticides from use inside and outside our public schools, requiring pre-notification and posting when pesticides are used and more. I will continue trying to educate our politicians.

had the great fortune this year to attend Legislative Day 2000 in Washington, D.C. And although I have been in the pest control industry for 18 years, this was my first opportunity to attend Legislative Day.

Washington, D.C., is a city that has a unique blend of history, technology and politics that combine for an awe-inspiring experience. In addition, you can join other PCOs from across the nation who are coming together in a common cause to ensure that our industry will be able to continue to provide a vital service — not only to this nation — but the entire world as well.

A letter or phone call to your congressman or your senator can easily be lost in the everyday paper chase. However, when more than 500 PCOs march up to Capitol Hill to voice their opinions on legislation before Congress that could have a profound effect on our industry, it does no go without notice. You would be surprised at the number of congressmen that at first seem to be inaccessible — but who are suddenly available when there are more than 500 voters roaming Capitol Hill’s hallways.

Congress votes on hundreds of pieces of legislation every year and what is a major issue to us might be a minor issue for them. That is why it is our duty as concerned PCOs to let our voices be heard on issues such as FQPA and IPM in schools. These are two issues where the trained and professional men and women of our industry should be making their voices heard and demand that such legislation be based on sound scientific studies.

I’m asking you now to be a part of Legislative Day 2001 in Washington and to join with hundreds of your fellow PCOs in conveying a message to Congress that we are concerned about the future of our industry.

Bobby Pugh, Pest Control Division Supervisor, Redd Pest Control, Gulfport, Miss.

I was amazed at the irony of finding Harry Katz article on the "comeback" of bedbugs in February PCT after discussing this very subject recently. I have always felt a great relief that bedbugs have been an exceedingly rare pest in our organization. The occurrence of requests for control of this nasty pest is less than six jobs per year in more than 30,000 units.

It is good to hear concerns raised about the potential increase of bedbugs but some of the biology of Cimex lectularius seems vague — for example, the extent of spread in multi-dwelling structures. An important part of solving the problem is to enable "tracking" of sources in order to stop further spread. If a client has recently purchased a used mattress, furniture or bedclothes, it may be advisable to inform local public health authorities. If the used mattress was sold by a retailer, there may be particular laws in place regarding that retailer’s responsibility.

While I have never made a direct link between pet birds and bedbugs attacking people in a home, I have seen bedbugs harbored in wholesale pet supply bird holding cages. I am suspicious of this potential link and in the absence of other contributing factors, I direct my staff to be aware of any new acquisitions of pet birds in these cases. Finally, I always advise my staff to be prepared to place glue traps in areas as a way of finding direct evidence in the absence of any other signs or evidence or as a mechanical control aid after treatment. (Also remember that "bedbugs" are sometimes a case of mistaken identity — i.e., American Spider Beetles.)

I’m currently the general manager of Unison Services Inc. I wanted to take the opportunity to let you know how much I enjoy your e-mails, your magazine and also your website. Thanks so much for all the information — it is really important to me. Also, please add my personal e-mail to your e-mail list of subscribers.