As many school students resume in-person classes, some school districts are requesting students bring disinfectant wipes into school from home. Disposable, disinfectant wipes may seem a simple and convenient solution to in-class cleaning and disinfection needs, but there are several factors school communities must consider.

Disinfectant wipes are pesticides

Disinfectant wipes are registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as antimicrobial pesticides designed to kill or inactivate microbes (germs). Many have “KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN” clearly stated on containers. Disinfection products should not be used by children or near children.

Most K-12 students are...

STOP USE NOTICE: Organic Pesticide Products WHACK OUT WEEDS! and ECOMIGHT-PRO

The California Department of Food and Agriculture's (CDFA) State Organic Program (SOP) is issuing this Stop Use Notice regarding the use of W.O.W. (WHACK OUT WEEDS!) and ECOMIGHT-PRO products manufactured by EcoMight LLC. These products are herbicides that are marketed and labeled as organic. 

W.O.W (WHACK OUT WEEDS!) and ECOMIGHT-PRO products contain organic claims such as...

• Blossom drop occurs when daytime temperatures exceed 90°F and nighttime...

The best way to avoid exposure to poison oak is knowing how to identify it. While the classic adage “leaves of three, let them be” can help differentiate poison oak from true oaks, it's not always correct. Poison oak is also deciduous so detecting it in the winter or spring when there are no leaves can be tricky.

More information on about this plant can be found in the recently updated