All About Pest Control Daily

Are Pest Control Chemicals Safe?

Jul 8

No one better understands the significance of the safety of pest control than a professional exterminator. We take safety seriously at Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc. and only use approved pesticides according to their specific guidelines.

 

Pest control chemicals are, for the most part, completely safe. They must, however, be carefully handled by someone who is trained to use them or safety could become a problem.

 

Rest Assured Pesticides Are Heavily Regulated and Tested


Pesticides are heavily regulated by agencies like the USDA and EPA because of the nature of the product. This offers a lot of checks and balances before it is possible to approve a pesticide for use.

 

Food safety and the insecticides that are used on crops are understandably concerned by these agencies. But pesticides used in homes, neighborhoods and commercial properties are also regulated. The EPA has a risk assessment protocol that is used whenever new pesticides are being evaluated and existing ones are re-evaluated. Each time before a safety level is determined, both ecological (plants, environment, animals) and human health risks are assessed.

 

An Experienced Pest Control Technician Won’t Put You in Danger


A licensed company's experienced pest control technicians are well-trained and keep up to speed on the latest uses and regulations of pesticides. We have an in-house certified entomologist, for instance, which keeps our technicians on top of their ongoing training. In different situations, professional exterminators understand what is safe to use versus which pesticides pose a threat to health. They will also know how much of a pesticide in a single application is safe to use.

 

This is why home and business owners are encouraged not to try to deal with infestations themselves, but to call a professional. Any chemical, if not used properly, can pose a risk.

 

Pesticides with Minimum Risk


A number of pesticides which are classified as minimum risk have been identified by the EPA. These are the pesticides that have been determined by scientists to pose little or no danger to people, animals, and the environment. Pesticides with minimal risk often have natural active ingredients, such as:

 

  • Citronella oil
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Sodium laurel sulfate
  • Thyme
  • Lemongrass oil
  • Potassium sorbate

 

Pesticides With the highest levels of toxicity


Each pesticide is approved in a specific environment for a specific use. What determines which pesticides are safe and what they can be used to treat is the toxicity of the ingredients. Active ingredients for pesticides which have been determined to have the highest levels of human toxicity are:

 

  • Mycobutanil .39% and higher
  • Permethrin 1.25% or higher
  • Lambda-cyhalothrin 0.04%
  • 2,4-D 0.12% and higher
  • 2-methy-4-chlorophenoxy
  • Lambda-cyhalothrin 0.002% and higher
  • Dicamba 0.71%
  • Sulfentrazone 0.18%
  • MCPP 0.16% and higher
  • Dicamba 0.03%
  • Methoprene 0.085%
  • D-limonene 78%
  • Bifenthrin 0.110%
  • Atrazine 0.60% and higher
  • Metaldehyde 1% or higher
  • Carbaryl 2% and higher
  • Chlorothalonil 0.087%
  • Oryzalin
  • Benefin
  • Triadimefon (bayleton ) 0.5%
  • Imidacloprid permethrin
  • Acetic acid/ Vinegar 20%
  • Acephate 4% or higher
  • Dicamba quniclorac 0.10%

 

For people who are exposed to them, these pesticides can cause acute and/or chronic health issues. Other active ingredients in pesticides that pose a threat to pets include:

 

  • Azadirachtin 0.09%
  • D-CIS/transallenthrin 21.97% and higher
  • Sodium benzoate 0.15%
  • Pyrethrins 0.02%
  • Piperonyl Butoxide 0.20% and higher
  • Imidacloprid
  • Bifenthrin 0.1% or higher
  • Hydramethylnon 0.036% and higher
  • Methoprene
  • Trichlorfon 6.24%
  • Permethrin 0.15% and higher
  • Carbaryl 0.126%
  • Beta-cyfluthrin 0.5%
  • Cyfluthrin 0.75%
  • Tetramethrin 0.2%
  • Petroleum oil 98%
  • Spinosad 0.5%
  • Extract of neem oil 0.9%
  • Fipronil 0.0103%
  • Deltamethrin 0.1%
  • Esfenvalerate 0.0033%
  • Malathion 50%

 

Always read the label of a pesticide container when in doubt. If it says CAUTION, that shows a low level of toxicity. On pesticides with moderate toxicity, WARNING is used. There is a high toxicity level for any pesticide with the label DANGER.

 

We always recommend that individuals ask their pest control firm to specify what is being used exactly. Ask for the name and EPA registration number of the active ingredient(s). Each pesticide must be registered, with the exception of minimum-risk pesticides.

 

If you need to control pests on your property and you want peace of mind to know that every safety precaution is used by a professional team, give us a call. Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc. is a trusted pest control company in Alabama which has been providing safe treatments for more than 50 years.

 

If you feel overwhelmed and need help finding a pre-vetted Control Pest Miami professional, give us a call.

 

Smart Living Home Repair Services

244 Madison Avenue , #1019

New York, NY 10016

(888) 758-9103