Consumer Advisory on "Registered" Pesticide POISONS

At issue specifically are four categories of claims that the attorney general says are misleading and that PCOs must cease within 30 days in the case of business signs, billboards, vehicles, business cards, letterhead, etc. and within one year in the case of Yellow Page advertising.

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Subject:   Consumer Advisory on "Registered" Pesticide POISONS-----
Date:       Wed, 31 May 2000 17:54:00 -0400
From:        Stephen Tvedten <steve@getipm.com>
Organization:     Get Set Inc. (www.getipm.com)

To:     Lyndon Hawkins <hawkins@empm.cdpr.ca.gov>
          Senior Research Scientist
          State of California, Department of Pesticide Regulation - Integrated Pest Management

Dear Lyndon, I thought you might like to read a press release entitled: Massachusetts  State Attorney General Issues Pest Control Advisory To Consumers.    

At issue specifically are four categories of claims that the attorney general says are misleading and that PCOs must cease within 30 days in the case of business signs, billboards, vehicles, business cards, letterhead, etc. and within one year in the case of Yellow Page advertising. The four claims to be avoided in any form are 1) implying that pesticides are "risk free"; 2) using images of young people or statements implying that pesticides are safe around children; 3) claiming that pesticides or the pest control methods used are "safe"; and 4) that the products used are "government approved," rather than government registered, thus implying that they are endorsed or recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency or another regulatory body.  

PRESS RELEASE - Office of Attorney General Tom Reilly - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: -     May 23, 2000 - FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marsha Cohen (617)727-2543 - ATTORNEY GENERAL REILLY ISSUES PEST CONTROL ADVISORY TO CONSUMERS.  

Answers commonly asked questions about pest control  

BOSTON - Attorney General Tom Reilly today announced an agreement with pest control companies in Massachusetts to end misleading claims about the risks of pesticides. He also provided answers to commonly asked questions about dealing with pest control companies.  

Do pesticide applicators need to be licensed to do pest control work in and around my home?  Yes. Massachusetts law requires that anyone who commercially applies pesticides have a currently  valid license to do so. The license indicates that the operator has been trained and is knowledgeable  about pesticide applications.  

Should applicators have their licenses with them when they come to my home?  

Yes. Pest control operators are required by law to carry their license with them, and should be able to show it on demand. Each applicator should have a license naming himself or herself as the licensed  applicator --a license that names a company instead of the individual is problematic. If you have any  questions about an applicator's license, or suspect misuse of pesticides, call the Massachusetts  Pesticide Bureau, 617-626-1781, or the Attorney General's Consumer Hotline, 617-727-8400.  

How can I ensure that a pest controller uses only the least intrusive means possible in treating my pest problem?  

Unless you, as the consumer, communicate to the pest controller your concerns about pesticides, you  may end up having more chemicals applied in and around your home than is necessary.  

Is it important to correctly identify pest problems before treating them?  Absolutely. A cornerstone of proper pest management, either in your home or your yard, is to  correctly identify and treat only real pest problems, rather than ones manufactured by what may be an  unscrupulous pest control company wishing to enhance its bottom line. Before hiring, make sure that  the pest controller can demonstrate to you a working knowledge of current methods of integrated pest management.  

I have heard of "Integrated Pest Management." What is it?

Integrated Pest Management, or IPM, describes pest control practices in the home, yard, schools, and anywhere that pests may be present. It stresses prudence and minimizing chemical use in responding to pest problems. IPM practices include closely monitoring the need for pest control, improving sanitation, installing physical barriers where appropriate, using natural pest enemies, and, when appropriate, judiciously using the lowest risk pesticides capable of addressing the need.  

How can Integrated Pest Management benefit me?

Due to possible environmental and public health hazards associated with pesticide use, there is a  widespread effort by government, industry, and the public, to identify ways to reduce the use of  chemical pesticides --proper IPM practice is one of those ways. For more information on integrated  pest management, you can start with a call to the Massachusetts Integrated Pest Management Council, 617-626-1777; or access the Pesticide Bureau's website: www.massdfa.org, and look for information on IPM. If you suspect misuse of pesticides, call the Massachusetts Bureau of Pesticides, 617-727-1781, or the Attorney General's Office Consumer Complaint line, 617-727-8400.  

Well Lyndon, I am sure you and your department will soon be hearing more about this issue.  People are tired of hearing the old lies that your "registered" POISONS "protect and/or are safe".  

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