Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Charles H. Bronson COMMISSIONER Mosquito Misting – Regulatory Concerns

Mosquito misting – Regulatory Concerns -Impact on Notification Requiremetns -Unsubstantiated Claims -Licensing -Label Compliance

Mosquito misting – Regulatory Concerns Notification Requirements Nine states maintain list of persons requesting notification – ColoradoMichigan FloridaPennsylvania LouisianaWashington MaineWest Virginia Maryland Notification typically required of applicators How does this apply to misting systems?

Mosquito misting – Regulatory Concerns For example: Florida – Chapter , F.S. requires 24 hour notification prior to a “pesticide application to a lawn, plant bed, or exterior foliage” to persons on a published list Use of misting systems would therefore require perpetual notification

Unsubstantiated Claims  Pyrethrum is non-toxic to humans and other mammals and is considered biodegradable as well as water soluble. It is sought for sensitive applications like the post-harvest treatment of fruits and vegetables. Pyrethrum is so safe that the U.S. Government approves its use on such insect- prone foods as tomatoes, even while they are on their way to the supermarket or processing plant.  Pyrethrum is non-toxic to humans and other mammals and is considered biodegradable as well as water soluble. It is sought for sensitive applications like the post-harvest treatment of fruits and vegetables. Pyrethrum is so safe that the U.S. Government approves its use on such insect- prone foods as tomatoes, even while they are on their way to the supermarket or processing plant.

Unsubstantiated Claims  Is the system dangerous?  Not unless you're cold-blooded. The insecticide used is environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and cannot be metabolized by warm blooded animals. Pyrethrum is rapidly broken down by sunlight and air into harmless molecules eliminating the risk of run-off contamination. It leaves no residue and insect resistance is almost nonexistent.  Not unless you're cold-blooded. The insecticide used is environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and cannot be metabolized by warm blooded animals. Pyrethrum is rapidly broken down by sunlight and air into harmless molecules eliminating the risk of run-off contamination. It leaves no residue and insect resistance is almost nonexistent. 

Mosquito misting – Regulatory Concerns Mosquito Misting – Regulatory Concerns

Unsubstantiated Claims

Texas Structural Pest Control Board Release  As the Labor Day weekend approaches, consumers should carefully scrutinize advertising claims about automated mosquito misting systems, and must be aware that pesticides used in such systems are potentially toxic to people and pets. Consumers also should demand proof of licensing by the Texas Structural Pest Control Board.  As the Labor Day weekend approaches, consumers should carefully scrutinize advertising claims about automated mosquito misting systems, and must be aware that pesticides used in such systems are potentially toxic to people and pets. Consumers also should demand proof of licensing by the Texas Structural Pest Control Board.  These aggressively marketed systems promise automated mosquito control using pyrethrum, a derivative of chrysanthemum flowers imported into the United States. While the base compound is a natural derivative, pesticides including these compounds are potentially toxic and label precautions should be read and followed.  These aggressively marketed systems promise automated mosquito control using pyrethrum, a derivative of chrysanthemum flowers imported into the United States. While the base compound is a natural derivative, pesticides including these compounds are potentially toxic and label precautions should be read and followed.

Texas Structural Pest Control Board Release  “Each of these pesticides contain label warnings which the consumer should ask for from the installer, and examine,” said John Lee Morrison, Chairman of the Texas Structural Pest Control Board. “The companies that market and install these systems should not tell the consumer they are inherently safe. Like the use of any pesticide, they are safe only if precautions are known about and followed.”  “Each of these pesticides contain label warnings which the consumer should ask for from the installer, and examine,” said John Lee Morrison, Chairman of the Texas Structural Pest Control Board. “The companies that market and install these systems should not tell the consumer they are inherently safe. Like the use of any pesticide, they are safe only if precautions are known about and followed.”  One of the pyrethrum-based products, RIPTIDE, includes this warning: “Hazards to humans and domestic animals…harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin…avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.” ULD HydroPY-300, a pyrethrin concentrate, includes similar label warnings.  One of the pyrethrum-based products, RIPTIDE, includes this warning: “Hazards to humans and domestic animals…harmful if swallowed or absorbed through the skin…avoid contact with skin, eyes or clothing.” ULD HydroPY-300, a pyrethrin concentrate, includes similar label warnings.

Label Compliance

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