Pyrethroid Pesticides Changes in California State

Pyrethroid pesticides are made from an organic compound similar to the natural pyrethrins produced by the flowers of pyrethrums (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium and C. coccineum). Although this pesticide is extremely popular for insecticides, it is also toxic to beneficial insects, such as bees and dragonflies as well as fish and other aquatic organisms.

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has announced changes coming to the state of California and their pyrethroid pesticides regulations, which are set to take effect Thursday, July 19th.

These new regulations closely track the language that is contained on most new pyrethroid products and also contains language that reflects an exchange of letters between the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) late last year.

Polo Moreno, Environmental Scientist, with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, said ''The revisions to the code are for protection of surface waters from non-agricultural pesticide applications, particularly when pyrethroids are applied in urban settings. Impervious surfaces (sidewalks, driveways, etc.) are known sites where careless applications of granular and liquid formulations prior to a storm or scheduled lawn watering become sources of pesticide runoff into aquatic habitats (creeks, rivers, etc).''

The proposed action will identify pesticides that have a high potential to contaminate surface water in outdoor non-agricultural settings, and will require pesticide applicators, such as landscape professionals to help minimize the contamination by following the new regulations.

In places other than California, pest management professionals may continue to use products in accordance with the directions on the label of the product being applied (including ''old label'' directions), but in California the regulations supersede the label, meaning that all products must be used in accordance with the new regulations on and after the July 19th date, irrespective of the label language.

To view a copy of the new regulations, please click here.

For more information about pesticides and regulations please visit npmapestworld.org

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