EPA agrees to proposed pyrethroid labeling language

In 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided to limit the outdoor non-agricultural use of pyrethroids, because of potential impacts on aquatic species. The new labels began showing up in 2012.Among other things, the new labels largely limited the outdoor use of pyrethroids to crack and crevice and spot treatments. NPMA, along with the Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials (ASPCRO), an organization representing state pesticide regulators; and the State FIFRA Issues Research and Evaluation Group, an EPA advisory committee also comprised of state regulators, recommended to the EPA that the labels be further changed.

On Dec. 20, the NPMA was advised that the EPA has agreed to language proposed by the groups earlier this year. The new language will allow pest management professionals (PMPs) to make outdoor applications beyond applications to cracks and crevices and spot treatments, provided the application is made through the use of a coarse, low pressure spray over a treatable surface (bare soil, lawn, turf, mulch or other vegetation) and not an impervious surface like a driveway or sidewalk.

The language should begin showing up on labels by the middle of 2013. More details can be found here.