Editor’s note: The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) issued the following advisory to its members regarding important rodenticide label changes that went into effect June 4.

As we have reported in a number of member communications, rodenticide products shipped by manufacturers after June 4 must be sold in certain container sizes and bear significant label changes, though distributors and PMPs may continue to sell and use existing product in accordance with the product's labeling until supplies are exhausted.  (NPMA staff urges PMPs to carefully read rodenticide product labels and to carefully manage the use of old labeled products.)  Two of the more significant label revisions prohibit the use of rodenticides more than 50 feet from a building and, on some labels, limit the target species to only commensal rodents (Norway and roof rats, house mouse).    
 
NPMA staff has been actively engaged with EPA over the last few months to discuss the problem with these restrictions and the negative impact the new label language will have on rodent control.  During this dialogue we have raised certain examples such as the use of rodenticides around dumpsters or for the control of pack rats or deer mice that would be undermined or prohibited altogether.  Through our latest discussion with EPA officials we have learned that the Agency is likely to issue guidance addressing these issues soon.   When the guidance is issued NPMA will forward this important information to the industry.     
 
For more information about EPA's decision, click here.       
 
For more information about NPMA's position, click here.