All News Releases By Date

EPA Orders Paradise, CA Pest Control Company to Stop Selling Illegal Insecticide

Release Date: 4/7/2003
Contact Information: Leo Kay, 415/947-4306

   The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently ordered A-Better Pest Control of Paradise, Calif. to stop selling an unregistered insecticide product.
 
     The company sold and distributed a product called, "Knox Out 2FM Insecticide for Yellowjacket Control," which contains diazinon, an organophosphate pesticide widely used for household and agricultural pest control.  A-Better Pest Control not only failed to register the product with the EPA, but it also failed to include adequate consumer safety labeling.

     "This insecticide contains an ingredient that poses serious risk to human health and the environment" said Enrique Manzanilla, Director of the Cross Media Division of EPA's Pacific Southwest Regional Office. "Companies that make illegal pesticides will be stopped and face significant fines."

     If A-Better Pest Control fails to comply with the EPA order, it will face criminal action or civil fines.

     The EPA is requiring all registered non-agricultural use of diazinon products to be phased out by Aug. 31, 2003.  When exposed, people may experience adverse effects on the central nervous system, such as nausea, dizziness and confusion.  Exposure to high levels of diazinon may cause respiratory paralysis and death. Diazinon also poses one of the greatest pesticide risks to birds.

     The agency will not register a pesticide until tests show that it will not pose an unreasonable risk when used according to the directions.  The EPA also ensures that pesticide labels provide consumers with the information they need to use the products safely.  

     The EPA's action was based on inspections conducted by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.
                              ###