WASHINGTON —  In 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency decided to limit the outdoor non-agricultural use of pyrethroids, because of potential impacts on aquatic species.  The new labels began showing up earlier this year.
 
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, 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 EPA that the labels be further changed.  
 
NPMA was advised earlier today that EPA has agreed to language proposed by the groups earlier this year.  The new language will allow 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 next year.
 
Read more about the issue.  For questions or comments contact Bob Rosenberg or Gene Harrington.