Feb 3, 2012 – New Pyrethroids Labeling

QUESTION:

With the new label restrictions on pyrethroid use outdoors, as pertaining to liquid pesticides, is it permitted to apply a band/fan treatment spray within 3 feet or less of the structure on impervious horizontal surfaces such as porches, decks, or concrete that is adjoining to or adjacent to the structure's vertical foundation? I already understand that it is permitted to apply the band 3 feet up from the ground vertically on the structure foundation, but what about horizontally?

ANSWER:

These important new changes on ALL labels of synthetic pyrethroid insecticides that have any labeling for outdoor uses are going into effect at this time, but over a period of the first few months of 2012. Some products' labels will already have the new wording in place while others may have that new wording with the next purchase you make, but it is extremely important that you check the labels of the products when you purchase them from Univar to see if that batch is now labeled with the new wording. The changes will be primarily in the sections on "Environmental Hazards" and "Directions for Use - Application Restrictions". You can find the complete text of the changes on PestWeb now. Look in the tab "Industry" and then "PestWeb Features" for the highlight on the pyrethroids updates. 

The stated purpose of the changes is to minimize applications that are likely to lead to runoff of the active ingredient from the property. Thus, applications to turf and soils around landscaping are still permitted, essentially as they have been previously. The assumption is that the soil and the plants will soak up or attach to the spray and runoff is not likely to happen. But, granular applications where granules end up on sidewalks or other hard surfaces (where they have no business being) need to be swept back onto the lawn or garden soils. 

The changes are for applications to HARD, or "impervious" surfaces, and the new wording specifically mentions "sidewalks, driveways, patios, porches, and structural surfaces such as windows, doors, and eaves". These are limited to spot or crack and crevice treatments ONLY. No more broadcast applications to large surface areas. In some discussion on these statements that I have found the question of covered patios comes up, and since these could possibly be affected by rain or sprinkler irrigation they too must be treated by spot or C&C only. I don't recall finding "decks" specifically mentioned in the new regulations, but logic would tell us that a deck of wood or any other material would be considered an impervious surface that cannot be treated overall. Therefore, a deck built adjacent to the structure could not be treated as a band treatment of any kind, but would have to be spot or C&C. 

There is one important interpretation on the word "spot", in that EPA is allowing the application of bands no more than 1 inch wide around doors and windows, and is allowing this kind of narrow band to fall within their definition, in this case, of spot or C&C. They also will continue to allow surface / spot applications under the eaves if the eaves are covered, as this area is unlikely to be affected by rainfall or irrigation. There also will be wording in most cases to avoid applications of any pyrethroids during a "rain event" or even if rainfall is predicted within 24 hours. Again, the whole purpose is to keep pyrethroids out of waterways, and driveways drain to gutters, and gutters drain to storm drains, and storm drains lead directly to the local creek. 

So, just in case I talked too much and the answer to your question was lost in the mix, NO, you will no longer be allowed to do any band treatments of impervious outdoor surfaces such as decks, porches, or patios. You can continue to do wider applications to soil or turf around the structure. 


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