Pesticide/Insecticides: Terminology

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Pesticide Terminology

Absorption: The uptake of liquids by solids or the passage of a substance into the tissues of an organism;

e.g., the movement of a chemical into the bloodstream following exposure.

Active ingredient: That ingredient of a pesticide that actually controls the targeted pest.

Acaricide

The class of pesticides use to kill mites and ticks; also known as a “miticide.”

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

The estimated daily level of exposure to a particular substance that is

anticipated to be without an appreciable risk of adverse effects to humans over the course of a lifetime. Set by EPA. Now called the Reference Dose.

Acetylcholinesterase

An enzyme present in nerve tissue, muscles and red blood cells that catalyzes the hydrolysis of acetylcholine to choline and acetic acid, allowing neural transmission across synapses to occur.. This mechanism is used for neural transmission in insects, humans and other mammals, and other living creatures.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor

A substance that interferes with the normal transmission of nerve

impulses by inhibiting the acetylcholinesterase enzyme. This is the primary mode of action of carbamate

and organophosphate insecticides

Acute Health Effects

Having rapid onset, severe symptoms and a short course; not chronic.

Acute Toxicity

The potential of a substance to cause injury or illness after a single exposure or shortterm exposure. One measure of acute toxicity is the lethal dose, or LD50 (see definition below.)

Additive effects

Combined effect of two or more chemicals equal to the sum of their individual effects.

Biochemicals

Chemicals that are either naturally occurring or identical to naturally occurring substances. Examples include hormones, pheromones, and enzymes. Biochemicals function as pesticides through non-toxic, non-lethal modes of action, such as disrupting the mating pattern of insects, regulating growth, or acting as repellants. Biochemicals tend to be environmentally compatible and are thus important to Integrated Pest Management programs.

Biological Pesticide

A chemical which is derived from plants, fungi, bacteria, or other non-man-made synthesis and which can be used for pest control.

Biological Pesticide

Certain microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa that are effective in controlling target pests. These agents usually do not have toxic effects on animals and people and do not leave toxic or persistent chemical residues in the environment.

Carbamate pesticide

One of a group of pesticides formed primarily as esters of carbamic acid with the general formula (HO-CONH2). Certain of these compounds have insecticidal or herbicidal properties. The insecticides are cholinesterase inhibitors. Examples: carbaryl (Sevin), aldicarb (Temik), bendiocarb (Ficam).

Carcinogen

Any substance capable of producing cancer.r: A material added to a pesticide active ingredient to facilitate its preparation, storage and use.

Cholinesterase inhibitor: See Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.

Chronic Toxicity

The potential of a substance to cause injury or illness following repeated exposures over a period of time or long exposure.

Contact dermatitis

Skin swelling due to either inital acute irritation from short-term contact substance, or from chronic sensitization that develops from long-term skin contact with an irritating substance.

Endocrine disruptor

A chemical capable of disrupting the development or function of the reproductive system by mimicking or blocking the action of

hormones.

Endocrine system

The system in humans and other animals comprised of the internally-secreting glands (e.g.., the pituitary and thyroid glands), their hormonal)

secretions, and their target organs (e.g., prostate glands, testicles, ovaries, uterus, breasts, and others).

Selected pesticides reported to have reproductive and endocrine-disrupting effects:

alachlor DBCP

aldicarb DDT

atrazine endosulfan

benomyl lindane

carbaryl parathion

chlordane synthetic pyrethroids

2,4-D tributyl tin

End-use product

A control product that has been manufactured, packaged and labelled in a form that is usable by the consumer.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The federal agency with primary responsibility for enforcement

of environmental regulations in the United States. The EPA regulates pesticides under FIFRA.

Excretion

The removal of a chemical from the body in urine, feces or expired air.

Exposure

Contact with a chemical. Some common routes of exposure are dermal (via skin), oral (by mouth) and inhalation (breathing in).

FIFRA: See Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.

Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)

The federal law regulating the usage and sale of pesticides. The EPA is responsible for its enforcement.

Formulant

Ingredients that serve a purpose other than the actual control of the targeted pest (e.g., solvents to dissolve solids, emulsifiers to prevent the settling of liquids in the container, carriers to deliver the active ingredient uniformly to the site, etc.).

Guarantee

The amount of active ingredient contained in a product, expressed as either a percentage or a weight. The PCP Act requires that the guarantee be stated on the label.

Half-life

The time required for a chemical to be reduced to half its original amount whether by excretion, metabolism or environmental degradation. Often abbreviated as T1/2.

Herbicide

A pesticide intended to kill plants.

Hydrolysis

Any chemical reaction in which water is one of the reactants. A chemical decomposition in which molecules of a substance are split into simpler compounds through reaction with the elements in

water.

Inert ingredient

Those intentionally added ingredients of a pesticide formulation that are not intended to have any pesticidal effect on the target organism. Such solvents, surfactants, carriers or sticker/spreaders and other inerts may (inadvertantly) be biologically active and hazardous. Many inert ingredients are known to be toxic, and some are even registered as active ingredients. Inert ingredients are not required to be listed on product labels, and manufacturers claim they are trade secrets.

Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)

Pesticides that kill or control insect pests by mimicking or interfering

with the natural hormones that regulate the insect’s developmental stages (e.g.., egg, larva, pupa, adult). Examples: methoprene, which arrests the development of fleas at or before the pupal stage

Juvenile hormones

Natural insect chemicals that keep the earlier stages of an insect from changing into the normal adult form

Knockdown Resistence

One group of insecticides, the pyrethroids, has low mammalian toxicity and is very effective at killing insects. Unfortunately, insecticide resistance has rendered many pyrethroid insecticides ineffective. One form of insecticide resistance is knockdown resistance or kdr. Kdr insects possess a mutated form of a nervous system protein that prevents pyrethroid insecticides from binding to it.

Label

The product label that is approved as part of the registration process contains the conditions of registration that, along with the PCP Act and Regulations, govern the use of the product. In effect, the label is a legislative document. Use of a product in a manner that is inconsistent with the directions or limitations on the label is prohibited. Any control product offered for sale in Canada must bear the approved label. Advertisements for the product must relate only to the claims carried on the label.

LC50

Median lethal concentration; the concentration of a pesticide necessary to kill 50 percent of the test organisms. Defined in terms of a particular species of test animal. Usually expressed in terms of hours of exposure to parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/l) concentration of the pesticide. Used to quantify the toxicity of substances in water to fish or aquatic organisms, or the inhalation toxicity of airborne substances to animals. Note that smaller LC50 values indicate greater toxicity.

LD50

Median lethal dose; the amount of a pesticide that is lethal to 50 percent of exposed test animals. This number is defined in terms of a particular species of test animal (e.g., rat, rabbit) and a particular

route of exposure (e.g., dermal, oral). Usually expressed in milligrams of pesticide per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg.) Note that smaller LD50 values indicate greater toxicity.

Pesticide active ingredient LD50 (oral, rat) (in mg/kg

B.t. >10,000

Chlorpyrifos 82 - 270

Cyfluthrin 16 - 647

2,4-D 350 - 500

inon 66 - 697

Glyphosate 4,320

Insecticidal soap >10,000

Microbial pesticides

Pesticides whose active ingredients are living microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, algae, viruses, parasitic nematodes) or the toxins that they produce. Usually highly selective in their action. Most must be consumed by the pest organisms in order to be effective. With a few exceptions (e.g., milky spore disease), microbial pesticides must be applied repeatedly to have continued effectiveness- they usually do not become permanently established in the environment as natural predators or parasitoids can. Examples: B.t., milky spore disease, steinernema feltiae (nematode), nuclear polyhedrosis

virus.

Miticide

A pesticide intended to kill mites. See also Acaricide.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

A controversial and poorly understood syndrome that causes

affected individuals to react adversely to low levels of a wide range of chemicals and environmental agents, including pesticides, perfumes, household cleaners, and more. Symptoms may include severe

headaches, joint pains, fatigue, heart arrhythmias, shortness of breath, and more.Mutagen: Any agent that is capable of causing genetic mutations (changes in DNA) of either somatic or germinal cells.

Mutation

An alteration in genetic structure, such as a change in the base sequence of DNA, or structural or numerical chromosome abnormalities. Mutations carried in germ cells are inherited by future

generations and may contribute to genetic disease. Mutations in somatic cells may be implicated in the development of cancer or other diseases.

Negligence

The failure to exercise a reasonable amount of care in a situation that causes harm to someone or something.

Neurotoxin

A chemical capable of damaging the structure or function of the nervous system (e.g., the brain, spinal cord, nerves or sensory organs). The nervous system controls movement, thought, vision,

respiration, behavior, and numerous other physiological processes.

Organophosphate insecticide

A group of organic compounds identified by the presence of phosphorus atoms in the molecule, frequently linked with oxygen, sulphur, or both. Organophosphate insecticides 28 Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides are cholinesterase inhibitors.

Examples: parathion, malathion, chlorpyrifos, diazinon.

Parasitoid

Parasite-like organisms that kill their host. Many are host specific, attacking only one species of insect or mite pest. They usually lay their eggs on or in the host. The eggs hatch and develop into larvae, and begin to eat the host, causing its ultimate death.

PCP Act registration number

A four or five digit number assigned to each registered pest control product by the PMRA. Unless expressly exempt by regulation under the Act, all pest control products must be registered and be issued a PCP Act registration number before being permitted for sale, import or use in Canada.

Penetrant

Chemical that helps a pesticide active ingredient to get through a surface and into an object or organism.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Devices and clothing worn to protect the human body from contact with pesticides or pesticide residues

Pest

Any injurious, noxious or troublesome insect, fungus, bacterial organism, virus, weed, rodent or other plant or animal.

Pesticide or pest control product

Any product, device, organism, substance or thing that is manufactured, represented, sold or used as a means for directly or indirectly controlling, preventing, destroying, mitigating, attracting or repelling any pest. Control products include active ingredients used in the manufacture of end-use products and the end-use products themselves. Includes herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, antimicrobial agents, pool chemicals, microbials, material and wood preservatives, animal and insect repellents, and insect- and rodent-controlling devices.

Pheromones

Chemical signals emitted by insects and other organisms that enable them to communicate with others of the same species. Often used by insects to attract mates. Pheromones are used as attractants in traps, or applied in large amounts over a crop to confuse insects so they fail to find a mate and reproduce.

Registered Pesticide

A pesticide product that has been approved by the EPA for the uses listed on the label. Pesticide registration decisions are based primarily on EPA’s evaluation of test data provided by the chemical manufacturers. Most EPA testing requirements focus on the active ingredients of the pesticide products only. EPA uses a risk/benefit analysis when deciding whether to approve a particular pesticide. This means that even if animal test results indicate that a pesticide is highly toxic, carcinogenic, teratogenic, or poses other health or environmental risks, the chemical may still be registered if certain economic, social, environmental or human health benefits are deemed to be greater than the risks.

Registrant

An organization or individual that holds the certificate of registration and is thereby responsible for the product. A registrant can be a chemical company, federal or provincial agency, importer or any person wishing to market a pest control product in Canada. The registrant’s name and address must appear on the product label.

Residual

The part of a pesticide that remains in the environment for a period of time following application or a spill.

Residue

The quantity of a pesticide, its degradation products, and/or its metabolites remaining on or in a plant, animal tissues, soil, or surfaces after spraying or any other method of pesticide application.

Resistance

Natural or genetic ability of an organism to tolerate the poisonous effects of a pesticide.

Resurgence

The rebounding of a pest population to higher than pre-treatment levels following a pesticide application. This is due to the effect of the pesticide in destroying or reducing populations of natural predators, parisitoids or pathogens that would otherwise control the pest. Any pest organisms that escape the pesticide’s effects (or that arrive after the application) are then able to flourish unchecked.

Risk Assessment

A quantitative or qualitative evaluation of the environmental and/or human health risks resulting from exposure to a pesticide or other substance. Considers proposed or existing uses, exposure potential and toxicity factors.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

An approach that attempts to weigh the risks (e.g., to human health or the environment) of use of a certain pesticide against the benefits (e.g., social, economic) of its use.

Risk Factors

Factors whose presence is associated with an increased probability that disease will develop later.

Selective (pesticide or mode of action)

A pesticide that kills specific undesireable pests without adversely

affecting other species of desirable plants (in the case of an herbicide) or beneficial insects (in the case of an insecticide).

Sensitization

The development of a hypersensitive or allergic reaction upon reexposure to a substance. The reaction may be immediate or delayed and may be of short-term or chronic duration.

Signal word

One of three words (Danger, Warning, or Caution) which must appear on a pesticide label. Signal words indicate the level of acute toxicity posed by the pesticide product.

Surfactant

An agent that lowers surface tension; the active ingredient of detergents. Surfactants are frequently added to pesticide formulations.

Synergism

When the simultaneous action of separate chemicals together have a greater total effect than the sum of their individual effects.. Examples of synergistic chemicals are: alcohol and certain drugs; Tagamet (ulcer medication) and diazinon (insecticide). Scientists are currently exploring the synergistic effects between DEET (insect repellant), permethrin (insecticide), chlorpyrifos (insecticide), and the

anti-nerve gas agent used administered to Gulf War soldiers.

Synthetic pyrethroids

A diverse class of more than 1,000 broad-spectrum insecticides. Based on the chemical structure and biological activity of pyrethrum (an extract from plants in the genus Chrysanthemum), but more toxic and less rapidly degraded in the environment than natural pyrenthium.

Systemic pesticide

Capable of being absorbed by plants into the plant sap, or by animals into the blood stream.

Teratogen

Anything which is capable of producing birth defects in exposed embryos or fetuses. Examples of chemicals for which there is evidence of teratogenicity: thalidomide (drug), mercury (pesticide,

pollutant), rotenone (insecticide), aldrin (insecticide), dieldrin (insecticide), thiram (fungicide), xylene (solvent)

Teratogenesis

The development of abnormal structures or functional alterations in offspring during pregnancy. Teratogenic effects are not passed on to subsequent generations.Tolerance Level or Threshold Pest Level: The population level at which a “pest” species becomes intolerable economically or aesthetically. Under an IPM program, this level determines when control measures are taken - the mere presence of an insect, pest or otherwise, does not warrant pesticide use.

Soluble

Able to be dissolved in another substance, usually a liquid.

Solvent

A liquid, such as water, kerosene, xylene, or alcohol, that will dissolve a pesticide (or other substance) to form a solution.

Surfactant: Surface Acting Agent

Material that can greatly reduce the surface tension of water when used in very low concentrations. Soap is a simple surfactant. Pesticide surfactants are nonionic (do not ionize, but will have a slight electrostatic charge due to the polarity of dissimilar atoms in the molecule), anionic (ionized, have a strong negative charge), or cationic (ionized, have a strong positive charge)..

Suspension

A substance that contains undissolved particles mixed throughout a liquid.

Systemic pesticide

Pesticide that is absorbed and circulated by a plant or animal so that the plant or animal is toxic to pests that feed on it.

Toxicity

Measure of a pesticide's ability to cause acute, delayed or allergic effects.

Uses

The specific pest(s) the product is designed to control and the sites where the product can be used. Each pest and site combination constitutes a use (e.g., dandelions on lawns, fleas on cats, fungi on potatoes, etc.).

Volatile

Evaporating rapidly; turning easily into a gas or vapor.

Water Solubility

Expresses the ability of a chemical to move into water or dissolve at a specific temperature and pH.

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~acrobat/pestglos.pdf This is a 205 page index by the FDA on pesticides. You wouldn't believe what is in here. Antibiotics, Antifungals.....???

Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO)

Piperonyl Butoxide enhances killing power when added to insecticide mixtures.

Piperonyl Butoxide is a chemical synergist. In other words, it does not have pesticidal properties all by itself, but rather it greatly enhances the potency and killing power of other active ingredients like pyrethroids and carbamates, when added to insecticidal mixtures.

Piperonyl Butoxide reduces the cost of pesticides.

In many cases, Piperonyl Butoxide actually reduces the amount of active ingredient required to kill insects, thereby reducing the cost of pest control products.

Toxicity

Man-made from synthetic sassafras oil, Piperonyl Butoxide is not toxic in its technical form, and contains minimal toxicity when combined with other active ingredients.

Products Containing Piperonyl Butoxide:

EcoPCO Jet X- Organic insecticide that provides instant knockdown and kill of flying, stinging insects.

Demize EC- Liquid insecticide for flea and tick control

What is an IGR?

Insect Growth Regulators (IGR’s) are chemicals such as hydroprene and methoprene, that disrupt and impede the life cycle of insects in the egg and larvae stage of development. The idea with an IGR is that if an insect cannot reach adulthood, it cannot reproduce. In short, IGR is a form of “birth control” for pests which helps keep the populations of unwanted pests under control by preventing current and future infestations.

What kind of pests can be controlled with an IGR?

Some of the most common pests targeted by IGR’s include fleas, ticks, ants, roaches, bedbugs, and other stored product pests.

Since IGR’s address only the problem of reproduction but do not actually kill the adult insect, it is always a good idea to use a knockdown-and-kill insecticide along with the IGR for ultimate population control. ( Also keep in mind that IGR’s are NOT for direct application to pets, although it may be used on their bedding. To treat flea problems on animals, it’s a good idea to use a flea collar or other product designed specifically for direct pet application.)

When is the best time to use an IGR?

The ideal time to treat your home with an IGR to prevent bothersome infestations is right now, before reproduction becomes a problem.

How long do IGR's last after I apply them?Insect Growth Regulators (IGR's) typically are effective for about 30 days when used for indoor treatments. On the other hand, if you are doing outdoor treatments you need to make sure to purchase an IGR product that is photostable if you are going to be spraying the product in areas of direct sunlight. Photostable IGR's last longer in direct sunlight.Formulations

IGR’s can come in a concentrated, spray, bait, and aerosol form for versatile application. IGR concentrates like Precor and Gentrol are meant to be mixed with water and can then be used as crack and crevice, spot, or fogging applications. (When treating for fleas, concentrates applied to carpets, upholstered furniture, and pet sleeping areas, may prevent adult flea emergence for up to 7 months.) An IGR Aerosol reaches fleas and other pests or larvae hidden in carpets, rugs, drapes, upholstery, pet bedding and floor cracks. Whatever form you are using, always read the product label carefully for ideal application.

Products Containing Insect Growth Regulators:

Gentrol

Precor

Linalool

Nylar

Fipronil

Fipronil is one of the newest names on the market for pest control, effective in the elimination of ants, roaches, termites, and other common pests. This Phenylpyrazole family insecticide packs a powerful punch, with a projected kill rate of up to 95% of ants and roaches within just 3 to 5 days.

Fipronil’s unique cascading effect eliminates entire colonies.

While most ingredients on the market are designed to kill household pests immediately upon contact, fipronil is unique in that it is a slow-acting poison which allows the poisoned insect time to return to the colony and spread the poison to others, resulting in more effective colony elimination.

Fipronil works through both contact and ingestion.

Fipronil is added to gel baits and bait stations and will poison an insect by simply making contact with fipronil or ingesting a fipronil-based bait. Once absorbed through the insect’s outside skin or ingested, fipronil’s ingredients launch a slow, deadly attack on the insect’s central nervous system. This attack sends the insect’s nerves and muscles into hyperexcitation, leaving it unable to perform basic functions like grooming and feeding itself. Eventually, the affected insect will die, but not before returning to the colony and passing the poison to others through physical contact, feces, and bait sharing.

Fipronil has been classified by the EPA as low hazard to humans, dogs, and cats.

Many of our customers have expressed concern as to the safety of applying products containing fipronil in areas used by children and pets. In actuality, there is a higher percentage of the active ingredient fipronil used in Frontline dog collars (used to control fleas and ticks) than is contained in either Termidor or MaxForce pest control products.

Termidor SC

Permethrin

The active ingredient Permethrin controls a wide variety of crawling and flying pests.Permethrin is an active-ingredient insecticide used in many professional pest-control products to control a wide variety of pests, including ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, bedbugs, chiggers, flies, termites, and cockroaches. Permethrin is often used as a spray on fabrics, clothing, and bed nets to repel or kill insects. For example, ticks confronted with a permethrin-treated pant leg will drop off before they have the chance to attach and feed. Permethrin is available in concentrates, dusts, and wettable powder formulations:

Permethrin begins working on contact for faster kill.

Permethrin begins working immediately upon contact or ingestion, leading to insect knock-down and eventual death. Permethrin kills by acting as a high-power poison to the central nervous system. Once poisoned, the insect’s nerve cells become excited, causing paralysis and preventing normal feeding and grooming activities. Absence of these activities leads to the insect’s eventual or immediate death.

Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid—which means that it remains effective for longer periods of time.

Permethrin belongs to a class of insecticides known as synthetic pyrethroids. Synthetic pyrethroids are man-made insecticides created to mimic the chemical properties of the naturally-occurring substance pyrethrum, which comes from the crushed petals of the Chrysanthemum flower. This plant has been recognized since the 18 th century for its insecticide properties. Synthetic pyrethroids, like Permethrin, are often preferred to the real thing as active ingredients because they offer the added bonus of remaining effective for longer periods of time.

Permethrin Toxicity

Permethrin is safe to use around pets and children. Remember to always read the label! Permethrin is environmentally safe Permethrin is highly toxic to fish and should not be sprayed around ponds

Bifenthrin

Bifenthrin as an active ingredient

Bifenthrin is the active ingredient found in both the Talstar brand name and generic bifenthrin pesticides. Both the Talstar brand and generic bifenthrin products like Bifen IT have the same label and the same amount of active ingredient- 7.9%.Products with Bifenthrin can be applied in four basic areas:

Indoors - including food-handling areas like restaurant kitchens On and around building exteriors Plants and shrubs Lawns

Bifenthrin is safe for your yard and garden

Bifenthrin is a synthetic pyrethroid, a class of man-made pesticides comparable to the natural pesticide pyrethrum which is made out of chrysanthemum flowers. Members of the pest control business often refer to pyrethroids as the insecticide that is “safe as chrysanthemums”, although bifenthrin has been found to be moderately toxic to birds and highly toxic to fish. However, bifenthrin is not harmful to your pets when it is dry. Bifenthrin is also safe to use in your yard or garden, because it cannot be absorbed by plant foliage.

Mode of Action

Like many other insecticides, bifenthrin manages insects by paralyzing the central nervous system upon contact and ingestion.

Hydramethylnon

Hydramethylnon is a metabolic inhibitor with a unique delayed-action property to maximize control of ant and roach populations.What is hydramethylnon?

Hydramethylnon is an odorless, yellow-orange crystalline solid, functioning most frequently as the active ingredient in ready-to-use roach and ant bait formulations. Hydramethylnon bait stations, bait gels, and granulars target a wide variety of ant and roach species both indoors and outdoors.

How does hydramethlynon work to control pests?

Hydramethylnon is one among a group of pesticides known as trifluoromethyl aminohydrazones, or, “metabolic inhibitors”. While the majority of insecticides attack the insect's central nervous system to cause nerve excitation, metabolic inhibitors like hydramethylnon attack the insect’s metabolic systems, resulting in decreased energy, lethargy, and the inability to perform basic life-sustaining functions such as feeding and grooming. Symptoms are delayed, however, with death typically occurs within 24 to 72 hours. This unique property allows for affected carrier insects to return to their colony or harborage and spread the poison to others:

Ant Control. Ant bait or granulars containing hydramethylnon are sprayed or spread over the infested area. Ants soon retrieve the bait and return to their colony. The affected ant then serves as a poison carrier to other ants either by contact or through bait sharing. In this way, bait effectiveness is maximized.

Roach Control. Roach bait or gel containing hydramethylnon is planted or applied in areas of highest travel (most often kitchens and bathrooms). Roaches ingest the bait or track through the gel to trigger hydramethylnon poisoning.. Roaches then act as poison carriers by coming in contact with other roaches. Poison is also effectively spread throughout roach colonies when the affected roach dies and the other roaches feed on its carcass or feces.

Pyrethrum

Enviornment-Safe Pyrethrum

Pyrethrum is a completely organic, environment-safe insecticide derived from 100% African Chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethrum powder is toxic to ants, roaches, silverfish, bed bugs, fleas, wasps, spiders, crickets, mosquitoes, and just about every other category of unwanted house or garden pest. Because it decomposes rapidly in the environment, pyrethrum has been approved for a wide range of indoor and outdoor uses, including homes, restaurants, broad-scale spraying operations, and organic farms.

In addition to being environment friendly, pyrethrum also has the following unique properties:

Quick Action – Pyrethrum poisons insects upon contact, attacking the central nervous system and resulting in faster knockdown and kill.

Low Toxicity – Pyrethrum is one of the least toxic insecticides available, boasting a long history of proven safety towards humans and animals.

Repellent – When not present in fatal amounts, pyrethrum acts as a repellent to protect food and grain storage, crops, or for personal protection.

Flushing Agent– Pyrethrum agitates insects in their hiding places, flushing them out and forcing them to be exposed to the insecticide.

Multi-purpose – Pyrethrum consists of a group of compounds rather than a single compound, resulting in a wider scope of activity against pests than other insecticides. It can be used against almost any pest in the house or garden.

No Insect Immunity – Insect resistance is not a problem because of the complexity of the molecule that pyrethrum is composed of.

Boric Acid

Boric Acid: Deadly to pests; Safe for people and pets.

What is boric acid?

Boric Acid is an odorless, non-volatile powder that is considered a safer alternative than more hazardous synthetic chemical pesticides. It is generally considered to be not much more toxic than ordinary table salt. While it is relatively non-toxic to people and their pets, it is absolutely fatal to cockroaches, ants, termites, silverfish and other common household insects.

FormulationsBoric acid is available as an insecticide in almost endless formulations to match any circumstance, including boric acid dust, boric acid powder, emulsifiable concentrates, tablets, pellets, pastes, boric acid bait, and crack and crevice treatments.

How does boric acid work to control pests?

Boric acid acts as a “stomach poison” for roaches, ants, silverfish, and other insects listed on the product label. The most common forms of boric acid used in pest control are boric acid bait and dry boric acid powder.

Baits are placed in zones of high-travel for the target-pest, usually kitchens and bathrooms, and include a feeding attractant to draw the insect in. Once the insect seizes the bait, the boric acid is ingested and begins poisoning the insect until it has died.

Boric acid powder or boric acid dust is applied to cracks and crevices in a thin layer where insects travel. When the insect crawls over the treated area, their legs become coated in the powder, which is then absorbed through their outer body or ingested when the insect grooms itself.

What makes boric acid different from other active ingredients?

Boric acid keeps working when other ingredients don’t; sometimes for up to a year. One of the unique properties of boric acid is that it gets the job done effectively even in small amounts and retains potency indefinitely as long as it is dry. In some products, the active ingredient may even continue killing the target pest for up to a year.

Boric acid has no repellency to insects, assuring that target pests return to treated areas repeatedly until they die.

Deltamethrin

Deltamethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid—which means that it is effective for longer periods of time.Deltamethrin belongs to a class of insecticides known as synthetic pyrethroids. Synthetic pyrethroids are man-made insecticides created to mimic the chemical properties of the naturally-occurring insecticide pyrethrum, which comes from the crushed petals of the Chrysanthemum flower. Synthetic pyrethroids, like deltamethrin, are often preferred to the real thing as an active ingredient because they offer the added bonus of remaining effective for longer periods of time.

Deltamethrin is available in many forms to uniquely target all of your pest control needs.

Deltamethrin is manufactured in various formulations (including emulsifiable concentrates, wettable powders, granules, and dusts for crack and crevice application) to control a wide variety of indoor and outdoor pests. Deltamethrin currently has no known incompatibilities with other insecticides which means that you can spray right along with other products.

Deltamethrin Dual-Action: Begins working on contact or ingestion for faster kill..

Deltamethrin begins working immediately upon contact or ingestion, resulting in fast insect knock-down. Deltamethrin kills by acting as a high-power poison to the insect's central nervous system. Once poisoned, the insect’s nerve cells become excited, causing paralysis and eventual death.

[Guest guest]

This has somehow been lost to cyberspace. If it eventually comes up twice, my apologies.

Pesticide Terminology

Absorption: The uptake of liquids by solids or the passage of a substance into the tissues of an organism;

e.g., the movement of a chemical into the bloodstream following exposure.

Active ingredient: That ingredient of a pesticide that actually controls the targeted pest.

Acaricide

The class of pesticides use to kill mites and ticks; also known as a “miticide.”

Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI)

The estimated daily level of exposure to a particular substance that is

anticipated to be without an appreciable risk of adverse effects to humans over the course of a lifetime. Set by EPA. Now called the Reference Dose.

Acetylcholinesterase

An enzyme present in nerve tissue, muscles and red blood cells that catalyzes the hydrolysis of acetylcholine to choline and acetic acid, allowing neural transmission across synapses to occur. This mechanism is used for neural transmission in insects, humans and other mammals, and other living creatures.

Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor

A substance that interferes with the normal transmission of nerve

impulses by inhibiting the acetylcholinesterase enzyme. This is the primary mode of action of carbamate

and organophosphate insecticides

Acute Health Effects

Having rapid onset, severe symptoms and a short course; not chronic.

Acute Toxicity

The potential of a substance to cause injury or illness after a single exposure or shortterm exposure. One measure of acute toxicity is the lethal dose, or LD50 (see definition below.)

Additive effects

Combined effect of two or more chemicals equal to the sum of their individual effects.

Biochemicals

Chemicals that are either naturally occurring or identical to naturally occurring substances. Examples include hormones, pheromones, and enzymes. Biochemicals function as pesticides through non-toxic, non-lethal modes of action, such as disrupting the mating pattern of insects, regulating growth, or acting as repellants. Biochemicals tend to be environmentally compatible and are thus important to Integrated Pest Management programs.

Biological Pesticide

A chemical which is derived from plants, fungi, bacteria, or other non-man-made synthesis and which can be used for pest control.

Biological Pesticide

Certain microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa that are effective in controlling target pests. These agents usually do not have toxic effects on animals and people and do not leave toxic or persistent chemical residues in the environment.

Carbamate pesticide

One of a group of pesticides formed primarily as esters of carbamic acid with the general formula (HO-CONH2). Certain of these compounds have insecticidal or herbicidal properties. The insecticides are cholinesterase inhibitors. Examples: carbaryl (Sevin), aldicarb (Temik), bendiocarb (Ficam).

Carcinogen

Any substance capable of producing cancer.r: A material added to a pesticide active ingredient to facilitate its preparation, storage and use.

Cholinesterase inhibitor: See Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor.

Chronic Toxicity The potential of a substance to cause injury or illness following repeated exposures over a period of time or long exposure.

Contact dermatitis

Skin swelling due to either inital acute irritation from short-term contact substance, or from chronic sensitization that develops from long-term skin contact with an irritating substance.

Endocrine disruptor

A chemical capable of disrupting the development or function of the reproductive system by mimicking or blocking the action of

hormones.

Endocrine system

The system in humans and other animals comprised of the internally-secreting glands (e.g., the pituitary and thyroid glands), their hormonal)

secretions, and their target organs (e.g., prostate glands, testicles, ovaries, uterus, breasts, and others).

Selected pesticides reported to have reproductive and endocrine-disrupting effects:

alachlor DBCP

aldicarb DDT

atrazine endosulfan

benomyl lindane

carbaryl parathion

chlordane synthetic pyrethroids

2,4-D tributyl tin

End-use product

A control product that has been manufactured, packaged and labelled in a form that is usable by the consumer.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

The federal agency with primary responsibility for enforcement

of environmental regulations in the United States. The EPA regulates pesticides under FIFRA.

Excretion

The removal of a chemical from the body in urine, feces or expired air.

Exposure

Contact with a chemical. Some common routes of exposure are dermal (via skin), oral (by mouth) and inhalation (breathing in).

FIFRA: See Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act.

Federal Insecticide Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)

The federal law regulating the usage and sale of pesticides. The EPA is responsible for its enforcement.

Formulant Ingredients that serve a purpose other than the actual control of the targeted pest (e.g., solvents to dissolve solids, emulsifiers to prevent the settling of liquids in the container, carriers to deliver the active ingredient uniformly to the site, etc.).

Guarantee The amount of active ingredient contained in a product, expressed as either a percentage or a weight. The PCP Act requires that the guarantee be stated on the label.

Half-life

The time required for a chemical to be reduced to half its original amount whether by excretion, metabolism or environmental degradation. Often abbreviated as T1/2.

Herbicide

A pesticide intended to kill plants.

Hydrolysis

Any chemical reaction in which water is one of the reactants. A chemical decomposition in which molecules of a substance are split into simpler compounds through reaction with the elements in

water.

Inert ingredient

Those intentionally added ingredients of a pesticide formulation that are not intended to have any pesticidal effect on the target organism. Such solvents, surfactants, carriers or sticker/spreaders and other inerts may (inadvertantly) be biologically active and hazardous. Many inert ingredients are known to be toxic, and some are even registered as active ingredients. Inert ingredients are not required to be listed on product labels, and manufacturers claim they are trade secrets.

Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)

Pesticides that kill or control insect pests by mimicking or interfering

with the natural hormones that regulate the insect’s developmental stages (e.g., egg, larva, pupa, adult). Examples: methoprene, which arrests the development of fleas at or before the pupal stage

Juvenile hormones

Natural insect chemicals that keep the earlier stages of an insect from changing into the normal adult form

Knockdown Resistence

One group of insecticides, the pyrethroids, has low mammalian toxicity and is very effective at killing insects. Unfortunately, insecticide resistance has rendered many pyrethroid insecticides ineffective. One form of insecticide resistance is knockdown resistance or kdr. Kdr insects possess a mutated form of a nervous system protein that prevents pyrethroid insecticides from binding to it.

Label The product label that is approved as part of the registration process contains the conditions of registration that, along with the PCP Act and Regulations, govern the use of the product. In effect, the label is a legislative document. Use of a product in a manner that is inconsistent with the directions or limitations on the label is prohibited. Any control product offered for sale in Canada must bear the approved label. Advertisements for the product must relate only to the claims carried on the label.

LC50

Median lethal concentration; the concentration of a pesticide necessary to kill 50 percent of the test organisms. Defined in terms of a particular species of test animal. Usually expressed in terms of hours of exposure to parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/l) concentration of the pesticide. Used to quantify the toxicity of substances in water to fish or aquatic organisms, or the inhalation toxicity of airborne substances to animals. Note that smaller LC50 values indicate greater toxicity.

LD50

Median lethal dose; the amount of a pesticide that is lethal to 50 percent of exposed test animals. This number is defined in terms of a particular species of test animal (e.g.., rat, rabbit) and a particular

route of exposure (e.g., dermal, oral). Usually expressed in milligrams of pesticide per kilogram of body weight (mg/kg.) Note that smaller LD50 values indicate greater toxicity.

Pesticide active ingredient LD50 (oral, rat) (in mg/kg

B.t. >10,000

Chlorpyrifos 82 - 270

Cyfluthrin 16 - 647

2,4-D 350 - 500

inon 66 - 697

Glyphosate 4,320

Insecticidal soap >10,000

Microbial pesticides

Pesticides whose active ingredients are living microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi, algae, viruses, parasitic nematodes) or the toxins that they produce. Usually highly selective in their action. Most must be consumed by the pest organisms in order to be effective. With a few exceptions (e.g., milky spore disease), microbial pesticides must be applied repeatedly to have continued effectiveness- they usually do not become permanently established in the environment as natural predators or parasitoids can. Examples: B.t., milky spore disease, steinernema feltiae (nematode), nuclear polyhedrosis

virus.

Miticide

A pesticide intended to kill mites. See also Acaricide.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)

A controversial and poorly understood syndrome that causes

affected individuals to react adversely to low levels of a wide range of chemicals and environmental agents, including pesticides, perfumes, household cleaners, and more. Symptoms may include severe

headaches, joint pains, fatigue, heart arrhythmias, shortness of breath, and more.Mutagen: Any agent that is capable of causing genetic mutations (changes in DNA) of either somatic or germinal cells.

Mutation

An alteration in genetic structure, such as a change in the base sequence of DNA, or structural or numerical chromosome abnormalities. Mutations carried in germ cells are inherited by future

generations and may contribute to genetic disease. Mutations in somatic cells may be implicated in the development of cancer or other diseases.

Negligence

The failure to exercise a reasonable amount of care in a situation that causes harm to someone or something.

Neurotoxin

A chemical capable of damaging the structure or function of the nervous system (e.g., the brain, spinal cord, nerves or sensory organs). The nervous system controls movement, thought, vision,

respiration, behavior, and numerous other physiological processes.

Organophosphate insecticide

A group of organic compounds identified by the presence of phosphorus atoms in the molecule, frequently linked with oxygen, sulphur, or both. Organophosphate insecticides 28 Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides are cholinesterase inhibitors.

Examples: parathion, malathion, chlorpyrifos, diazinon.

Parasitoid

Parasite-like organisms that kill their host. Many are host specific, attacking only one species of insect or mite pest. They usually lay their eggs on or in the host. The eggs hatch and develop into larvae, and begin to eat the host, causing its ultimate death.

PCP Act registration number A four or five digit number assigned to each registered pest control product by the PMRA. Unless expressly exempt by regulation under the Act, all pest control products must be registered and be issued a PCP Act registration number before being permitted for sale, import or use in Canada.

Penetrant

Chemical that helps a pesticide active ingredient to get through a surface and into an object or organism.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Devices and clothing worn to protect the human body from contact with pesticides or pesticide residues

Pest

Any injurious, noxious or troublesome insect, fungus, bacterial organism, virus, weed, rodent or other plant or animal.

Pesticide or pest control product Any product, device, organism, substance or thing that is manufactured, represented, sold or used as a means for directly or indirectly controlling, preventing, destroying, mitigating, attracting or repelling any pest. Control products include active ingredients used in the manufacture of end-use products and the end-use products themselves. Includes herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, antimicrobial agents, pool chemicals, microbials, material and wood preservatives, animal and insect repellents, and insect- and rodent-controlling devices.

Pheromones

Chemical signals emitted by insects and other organisms that enable them to communicate with others of the same species. Often used by insects to attract mates. Pheromones are used as attractants in traps, or applied in large amounts over a crop to confuse insects so they fail to find a mate and reproduce.

Registered Pesticide

A pesticide product that has been approved by the EPA for the uses listed on the label. Pesticide registration decisions are based primarily on EPA’s evaluation of test data provided by the chemical manufacturers. Most EPA testing requirements focus on the active ingredients of the pesticide products only. EPA uses a risk/benefit analysis when deciding whether to approve a particular pesticide. This means that even if animal test results indicate that a pesticide is highly toxic, carcinogenic, teratogenic, or poses other health or environmental risks, the chemical may still be registered if certain economic, social, environmental or human health benefits are deemed to be greater than the risks.

Registrant An organization or individual that holds the certificate of registration and is thereby responsible for the product. A registrant can be a chemical company, federal or provincial agency, importer or any person wishing to market a pest control product in Canada. The registrant’s name and address must appear on the product label. Residual The part of a pesticide that remains in the environment for a period of time following application or a spill.

Residue

The quantity of a pesticide, its degradation products, and/or its metabolites remaining on or in a plant, animal tissues, soil, or surfaces after spraying or any other method of pesticide application.

Resistance

Natural or genetic ability of an organism to tolerate the poisonous effects of a pesticide.

Resurgence

The rebounding of a pest population to higher than pre-treatment levels following a pesticide application. This is due to the effect of the pesticide in destroying or reducing populations of natural predators, parisitoids or pathogens that would otherwise control the pest. Any pest organisms that escape the pesticide’s effects (or that arrive after the application) are then able to flourish unchecked.

Risk Assessment

A quantitative or qualitative evaluation of the environmental and/or human health risks resulting from exposure to a pesticide or other substance. Considers proposed or existing uses, exposure potential and toxicity factors.

Risk/Benefit Analysis

An approach that attempts to weigh the risks (e.g., to human health or the environment) of use of a certain pesticide against the benefits (e.g., social, economic) of its use.

Risk Factors

Factors whose presence is associated with an increased probability that disease will develop later.

Selective (pesticide or mode of action)

A pesticide that kills specific undesireable pests without adversely

affecting other species of desirable plants (in the case of an herbicide) or beneficial insects (in the case of an insecticide).

Sensitization

The development of a hypersensitive or allergic reaction upon reexposure to a substance. The reaction may be immediate or delayed and may be of short-term or chronic duration.

Signal word

One of three words (Danger, Warning, or Caution) which must appear on a pesticide label. Signal words indicate the level of acute toxicity posed by the pesticide product.

Surfactant

An agent that lowers surface tension; the active ingredient of detergents. Surfactants are frequently added to pesticide formulations.

Synergism

When the simultaneous action of separate chemicals together have a greater total effect than the sum of their individual effects. Examples of synergistic chemicals are: alcohol and certain drugs; Tagamet (ulcer medication) and diazinon (insecticide). Scientists are currently exploring the synergistic effects between DEET (insect repellant), permethrin (insecticide), chlorpyrifos (insecticide), and the

anti-nerve gas agent used administered to Gulf War soldiers.

Synthetic pyrethroids

A diverse class of more than 1,000 broad-spectrum insecticides. Based on the chemical structure and biological activity of pyrethrum (an extract from plants in the genus Chrysanthemum), but more toxic and less rapidly degraded in the environment than natural pyrenthium.

Systemic pesticide

Capable of being absorbed by plants into the plant sap, or by animals into the blood stream.

Teratogen

Anything which is capable of producing birth defects in exposed embryos or fetuses. Examples of chemicals for which there is evidence of teratogenicity: thalidomide (drug), mercury (pesticide,

pollutant), rotenone (insecticide), aldrin (insecticide), dieldrin (insecticide), thiram (fungicide), xylene (solvent)

Teratogenesis

The development of abnormal structures or functional alterations in offspring during pregnancy. Teratogenic effects are not passed on to subsequent generations.Tolerance Level or Threshold Pest Level: The population level at which a “pest” species becomes intolerable economically or aesthetically. Under an IPM program, this level determines when control measures are taken - the mere presence of an insect, pest or otherwise, does not warrant pesticide use.

Soluble

Able to be dissolved in another substance, usually a liquid.

Solvent

A liquid, such as water, kerosene, xylene, or alcohol, that will dissolve a pesticide (or other substance) to form a solution.

Surfactant: Surface Acting Agent

Material that can greatly reduce the surface tension of water when used in very low concentrations. Soap is a simple surfactant. Pesticide surfactants are nonionic (do not ionize, but will have a slight electrostatic charge due to the polarity of dissimilar atoms in the molecule), anionic (ionized, have a strong negative charge), or cationic (ionized, have a strong positive charge).

Suspension

A substance that contains undissolved particles mixed throughout a liquid.

Systemic pesticide

Pesticide that is absorbed and circulated by a plant or animal so that the plant or animal is toxic to pests that feed on it.

Toxicity

Measure of a pesticide's ability to cause acute, delayed or allergic effects.

Uses

The specific pest(s) the product is designed to control and the sites where the product can be used. Each pest and site combination constitutes a use (e.g., dandelions on lawns, fleas on cats, fungi on potatoes, etc.).

Volatile

Evaporating rapidly; turning easily into a gas or vapor.

Water Solubility

Expresses the ability of a chemical to move into water or dissolve at a specific temperature and pH.

http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~acrobat/pestglos.pdf This is a 205 page index by the FDA on pesticides. You wouldn't believe what is in here. Antibiotics, Antifungals.....???

Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO)

Piperonyl Butoxide enhances killing power when added to insecticide mixtures.

Piperonyl Butoxide is a chemical synergist. In other words, it does not have pesticidal properties all by itself, but rather it greatly enhances the potency and killing power of other active ingredients like pyrethroids and carbamates, when added to insecticidal mixtures.

Piperonyl Butoxide reduces the cost of pesticides.

In many cases, Piperonyl Butoxide actually reduces the amount of active ingredient required to kill insects, thereby reducing the cost of pest control products.

Toxicity

Man-made from synthetic sassafras oil, Piperonyl Butoxide is not toxic in its technical form, and contains minimal toxicity when combined with other active ingredients.

Products Containing Piperonyl Butoxide:

EcoPCO Jet X- Organic insecticide that provides instant knockdown and kill of flying, stinging insects.

Demize EC- Liquid insecticide for flea and tick control

What is an IGR?

Insect Growth Regulators (IGR’s) are chemicals such as hydroprene and methoprene, that disrupt and impede the life cycle of insects in the egg and larvae stage of development. The idea with an IGR is that if an insect cannot reach adulthood, it cannot reproduce. In short, IGR is a form of “birth control” for pests which helps keep the populations of unwanted pests under control by preventing current and future infestations.

What kind of pests can be controlled with an IGR?

Some of the most common pests targeted by IGR’s include fleas, ticks, ants, roaches, bedbugs, and other stored product pests.

Since IGR’s address only the problem of reproduction but do not actually kill the adult insect, it is always a good idea to use a knockdown-and-kill insecticide along with the IGR for ultimate population control. ( Also keep in mind that IGR’s are NOT for direct application to pets, although it may be used on their bedding. To treat flea problems on animals, it’s a good idea to use a flea collar or other product designed specifically for direct pet application.)

When is the best time to use an IGR? The ideal time to treat your home with an IGR to prevent bothersome infestations is right now, before reproduction becomes a problem.

How long do IGR's last after I apply them?Insect Growth Regulators (IGR's) typically are effective for about 30 days when used for indoor treatments. On the other hand, if you are doing outdoor treatments you need to make sure to purchase an IGR product that is photostable if you are going to be spraying the product in areas of direct sunlight. Photostable IGR's last longer in direct sunlight.Formulations

IGR’s can come in a concentrated, spray, bait, and aerosol form for versatile application. IGR concentrates like Precor and Gentrol are meant to be mixed with water and can then be used as crack and crevice, spot, or fogging applications. (When treating for fleas, concentrates applied to carpets, upholstered furniture, and pet sleeping areas, may prevent adult flea emergence for up to 7 months.) An IGR Aerosol reaches fleas and other pests or larvae hidden in carpets, rugs, drapes, upholstery, pet bedding and floor cracks. Whatever form you are using, always read the product label carefully for ideal application.

Products Containing Insect Growth Regulators:

Gentrol

Precor

Linalool

Nylar

Fipronil

Fipronil is one of the newest names on the market for pest control, effective in the elimination of ants, roaches, termites, and other common pests. This Phenylpyrazole family insecticide packs a powerful punch, with a projected kill rate of up to 95% of ants and roaches within just 3 to 5 days.

Fipronil’s unique cascading effect eliminates entire colonies.

While most ingredients on the market are designed to kill household pests immediately upon contact, fipronil is unique in that it is a slow-acting poison which allows the poisoned insect time to return to the colony and spread the poison to others, resulting in more effective colony elimination..

Fipronil works through both contact and ingestion.

Fipronil is added to gel baits and bait stations and will poison an insect by simply making contact with fipronil or ingesting a fipronil-based bait. Once absorbed through the insect’s outside skin or ingested, fipronil’s ingredients launch a slow, deadly attack on the insect’s central nervous system. This attack sends the insect’s nerves and muscles into hyperexcitation, leaving it unable to perform basic functions like grooming and feeding itself. Eventually, the affected insect will die, but not before returning to the colony and passing the poison to others through physical contact, feces, and bait sharing.

Fipronil has been classified by the EPA as low hazard to humans, dogs, and cats.

Many of our customers have expressed concern as to the safety of applying products containing fipronil in areas used by children and pets. In actuality, there is a higher percentage of the active ingredient fipronil used in Frontline dog collars (used to control fleas and ticks) than is contained in either Termidor or MaxForce pest control products.

Termidor SC

Permethrin

The active ingredient Permethrin controls a wide variety of crawling and flying pests.Permethrin is an active-ingredient insecticide used in many professional pest-control products to control a wide variety of pests, including ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, bedbugs, chiggers, flies, termites, and cockroaches. Permethrin is often used as a spray on fabrics, clothing, and bed nets to repel or kill insects. For example, ticks confronted with a permethrin-treated pant leg will drop off before they have the chance to attach and feed. Permethrin is available in concentrates, dusts, and wettable powder formulations:

Permethrin begins working on contact for faster kill.

Permethrin begins working immediately upon contact or ingestion, leading to insect knock-down and eventual death. Permethrin kills by acting as a high-power poison to the central nervous system. Once poisoned, the insect’s nerve cells become excited, causing paralysis and preventing normal feeding and grooming activities. Absence of these activities leads to the insect’s eventual or immediate death.

Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid—which means that it remains effective for longer periods of time.

Permethrin belongs to a class of insecticides known as synthetic pyrethroids. Synthetic pyrethroids are man-made insecticides created to mimic the chemical properties of the naturally-occurring substance pyrethrum, which comes from the crushed petals of the Chrysanthemum flower. This plant has been recognized since the 18 th century for its insecticide properties. Synthetic pyrethroids, like Permethrin, are often preferred to the real thing as active ingredients because they offer the added bonus of remaining effective for longer periods of time.

Permethrin Toxicity

Permethrin is safe to use around pets and children. Remember to always read the label! Permethrin is environmentally safe Permethrin is highly toxic to fish and should not be sprayed around ponds

Bifenthrin

Bifenthrin as an active ingredient

Bifenthrin is the active ingredient found in both the Talstar brand name and generic bifenthrin pesticides. Both the Talstar brand and generic bifenthrin products like Bifen IT have the same label and the same amount of active ingredient- 7.9%.Products with Bifenthrin can be applied in four basic areas:

Indoors - including food-handling areas like restaurant kitchens On and around building exteriors Plants and shrubs Lawns

Bifenthrin is safe for your yard and garden

Bifenthrin is a synthetic pyrethroid, a class of man-made pesticides comparable to the natural pesticide pyrethrum which is made out of chrysanthemum flowers. Members of the pest control business often refer to pyrethroids as the insecticide that is “safe as chrysanthemums”, although bifenthrin has been found to be moderately toxic to birds and highly toxic to fish. However, bifenthrin is not harmful to your pets when it is dry. Bifenthrin is also safe to use in your yard or garden, because it cannot be absorbed by plant foliage.

Mode of Action

Like many other insecticides, bifenthrin manages insects by paralyzing the central nervous system upon contact and ingestion.

Hydramethylnon

Hydramethylnon is a metabolic inhibitor with a unique delayed-action property to maximize control of ant and roach populations.What is hydramethylnon?

Hydramethylnon is an odorless, yellow-orange crystalline solid, functioning most frequently as the active ingredient in ready-to-use roach and ant bait formulations. Hydramethylnon bait stations, bait gels, and granulars target a wide variety of ant and roach species both indoors and outdoors.

How does hydramethlynon work to control pests?

Hydramethylnon is one among a group of pesticides known as trifluoromethyl aminohydrazones, or, “metabolic inhibitors”. While the majority of insecticides attack the insect's central nervous system to cause nerve excitation, metabolic inhibitors like hydramethylnon attack the insect’s metabolic systems, resulting in decreased energy, lethargy, and the inability to perform basic life-sustaining functions such as feeding and grooming. Symptoms are delayed, however, with death typically occurs within 24 to 72 hours. This unique property allows for affected carrier insects to return to their colony or harborage and spread the poison to others:

Ant Control. Ant bait or granulars containing hydramethylnon are sprayed or spread over the infested area. Ants soon retrieve the bait and return to their colony. The affected ant then serves as a poison carrier to other ants either by contact or through bait sharing. In this way, bait effectiveness is maximized.

Roach Control. Roach bait or gel containing hydramethylnon is planted or applied in areas of highest travel (most often kitchens and bathrooms). Roaches ingest the bait or track through the gel to trigger hydramethylnon poisoning. Roaches then act as poison carriers by coming in contact with other roaches. Poison is also effectively spread throughout roach colonies when the affected roach dies and the other roaches feed on its carcass or feces.

Pyrethrum

Enviornment-Safe Pyrethrum

Pyrethrum is a completely organic, environment-safe insecticide derived from 100% African Chrysanthemum flowers. Pyrethrum powder is toxic to ants, roaches, silverfish, bed bugs, fleas, wasps, spiders, crickets, mosquitoes, and just about every other category of unwanted house or garden pest. Because it decomposes rapidly in the environment, pyrethrum has been approved for a wide range of indoor and outdoor uses, including homes, restaurants, broad-scale spraying operations, and organic farms.

In addition to being environment friendly, pyrethrum also has the following unique properties:

Quick Action – Pyrethrum poisons insects upon contact, attacking the central nervous system and resulting in faster knockdown and kill.

Low Toxicity – Pyrethrum is one of the least toxic insecticides available, boasting a long history of proven safety towards humans and animals.

Repellent – When not present in fatal amounts, pyrethrum acts as a repellent to protect food and grain storage, crops, or for personal protection.

Flushing Agent– Pyrethrum agitates insects in their hiding places, flushing them out and forcing them to be exposed to the insecticide.

Multi-purpose – Pyrethrum consists of a group of compounds rather than a single compound, resulting in a wider scope of activity against pests than other insecticides. It can be used against almost any pest in the house or garden.

No Insect Immunity – Insect resistance is not a problem because of the complexity of the molecule that pyrethrum is composed of..

Boric Acid

Boric Acid: Deadly to pests; Safe for people and pets.

What is boric acid?

Boric Acid is an odorless, non-volatile powder that is considered a safer alternative than more hazardous synthetic chemical pesticides. It is generally considered to be not much more toxic than ordinary table salt. While it is relatively non-toxic to people and their pets, it is absolutely fatal to cockroaches, ants, termites, silverfish and other common household insects.

FormulationsBoric acid is available as an insecticide in almost endless formulations to match any circumstance, including boric acid dust, boric acid powder, emulsifiable concentrates, tablets, pellets, pastes, boric acid bait, and crack and crevice treatments.

How does boric acid work to control pests?

Boric acid acts as a “stomach poison” for roaches, ants, silverfish, and other insects listed on the product label. The most common forms of boric acid used in pest control are boric acid bait and dry boric acid powder.

Baits are placed in zones of high-travel for the target-pest, usually kitchens and bathrooms, and include a feeding attractant to draw the insect in. Once the insect seizes the bait, the boric acid is ingested and begins poisoning the insect until it has died.

Boric acid powder or boric acid dust is applied to cracks and crevices in a thin layer where insects travel. When the insect crawls over the treated area, their legs become coated in the powder, which is then absorbed through their outer body or ingested when the insect grooms itself.

What makes boric acid different from other active ingredients?

Boric acid keeps working when other ingredients don’t; sometimes for up to a year. One of the unique properties of boric acid is that it gets the job done effectively even in small amounts and retains potency indefinitely as long as it is dry. In some products, the active ingredient may even continue killing the target pest for up to a year.

Boric acid has no repellency to insects, assuring that target pests return to treated areas repeatedly until they die.

Deltamethrin

Deltamethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid—which means that it is effective for longer periods of time.Deltamethrin belongs to a class of insecticides known as synthetic pyrethroids. Synthetic pyrethroids are man-made insecticides created to mimic the chemical properties of the naturally-occurring insecticide pyrethrum, which comes from the crushed petals of the Chrysanthemum flower. Synthetic pyrethroids, like deltamethrin, are often preferred to the real thing as an active ingredient because they offer the added bonus of remaining effective for longer periods of time.

Deltamethrin is available in many forms to uniquely target all of your pest control needs.

Deltamethrin is manufactured in various formulations (including emulsifiable concentrates, wettable powders, granules, and dusts for crack and crevice application) to control a wide variety of indoor and outdoor pests. Deltamethrin currently has no known incompatibilities with other insecticides which means that you can spray right along with other products.

Deltamethrin Dual-Action: Begins working on contact or ingestion for faster kill.

Deltamethrin begins working immediately upon contact or ingestion, resulting in fast insect knock-down. Deltamethrin kills by acting as a high-power poison to the insect's central nervous system. Once poisoned, the insect’s nerve cells become excited, causing paralysis and eventual death.