- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
- Author: Elaine Lander
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Health Advisory recently in response to increased reports of illness associated with products containing the pesticide ivermectin. Ivermectin is an active ingredient that is typically used to treat internal animal parasites such as roundworms, threadworms, and other parasites, and external parasites such as head lice. It is an anti-parasitic pesticide not an anti-viral. The FDA has not approved ivermectin for use in treating or preventing COVID-19.
The CDC health advisory states “Veterinary formulations intended for use in large animals such as horses, sheep, and cattle (e.g., “sheep drench,” injection formulations, and “pour-on” products for cattle) can be highly concentrated and result in overdoses when used by humans. Animal products may also contain inactive ingredients that have not been evaluated for use in humans. People who take inappropriately high doses of ivermectin above FDA-recommended dosing may experience toxic effects.”
Part of the University of California Integrated Pest Management Program's mission is to provide pesticide information to residents of California to protect human health and the environment. We address public health issues as they relate to pests of homes, people, pets, structures, and plants. Part of our educational efforts in this area is on pesticide use and safety. We do not and cannot comment on medically advised prescriptions or treatment for human diseases and ailments such as influenza, measles, asthma, COVID-19, or any other contagious diseases. However, it is within our charge to share information about registered pesticides, their safe use, and consequences to human health.
Visit our website for more information on pesticides in homes and landscapes. If you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing serious illness due to pesticide exposure, contact the Poison Control hotline at 800-222-1222.
- Author: Carolyn Whitesell
- Author: Niamh Quinn
- Posted by: Elaine Lander
Regardless of what type of management option you use, you must first consider whether there are endangered or threatened species present on the property that may use ground squirrel burrows (such as burrowing owls, tiger salamanders, etc.). To check if there are endangered species on your property and to learn about proper uses of pest management products when these species are present, you can consult the PRESCRIBE tool. Trapping may still be an option if there are endangered species present, as long as you use and properly set specific trap designs, ensuring that they are inaccessible to endangered species. After determining whether endangered or threatened species need to be considered, you need to think through the pros and cons of each method, as explained below.
Toxic Baits
There are two categories of toxic baits available for California ground squirrel control: first generation anticoagulant rodenticides (FGARs, which require multiple feedings) and zinc phosphide (an acute toxin that may only require a single feeding). Many toxic baits are restricted use pesticides. Anyone applying a restricted material must hold a pesticide applicator's license and will need a restricted use material permit. A notice of intent must be given to your county ag commissioner's department at least 24 hours before the application of a restricted use material. Applicators then have up to four days after the planned date (the date on the notice of intent) to begin the application; otherwise, a new notice of intent must be filed. A written recommendation from a Pest Control Advisor may also be required. If you have any questions about what permits or paperwork are required for using a particular rodenticide, check with your local Agricultural Commissioner's office.
In general, when applying any type of rodenticide, always read the label carefully. The label will specify how to apply the bait correctly, the timing of subsequent applications (if applicable), the target species for which the toxic bait can be used, and the locations permitted for use. You must always have a copy of the label with you on site when you apply rodenticides.
FGARs can be used as spot treatments, broadcast applications (though not for resident use), or in bait stations. There is an antidote (Vitamin K1) available for the active ingredients in FGARs, but, since it is not 100% effective and requires a prescription from a veterinarian, these products should not be applied if you have any concerns that nontarget animals will be able to access the bait. There is a primary risk of nontarget exposure from the use of FGARs, however it is generally necessary for it to be consumed over multiple days, on multiple occasions to achieve a toxic dose.
Zinc phosphide does not have an antidote available and can only be used as a spot treatment or a broadcast application (NO bait stations). It is not permitted for use in or around buildings, and the label is species-specific for many locations, so always double check the label before applying it. You must be a licensed pesticide applicator to use this toxic bait to manage California ground squirrels. It poses a higher primary toxicity risk (due to direct consumption) but a lower secondary toxicity risk (due to consumption of a poisoned animal) to nontarget animals than the FGARs.
When using toxic baits, you should check for and properly dispose of squirrel carcasses daily. Always wear gloves when handling carcasses.
Trapping
For multi-catch live traps, which allow you to catch multiple ground squirrels at once, it is very important to pre-bait. That means you should place bait within the trap for a few days without setting the trap and allow the ground squirrels to feed on the bait freely. Pre-baiting will get the older and potentially trap-shy ground squirrels more comfortable with the trap and will increase your odds of catching them once the traps are set. When doing any sort of trapping, you are ideally looking to catch the adults, not just the younger, typically less wary, individuals. If you are able to catch a mature individual, its alarm calls will act as a form of bait in and of itself and will attract other ground squirrels into the trap.
To avoid contacting squirrel urine or feces, wear gloves when handling any type of trap, even if the trap is empty. You are required by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to check the traps at least once daily.
Traps must be set more than 150 yards from any structure used as a permanent or temporary residence, unless such traps are set by a person controlling such property or by a person who has and is carrying written consent of the landowner to place the trap or traps.
California ground squirrels, once trapped, must be immediately killed or released in the site where trapped. Unless released, trapped animals shall be euthanized following AMVA guidelines or by shooting where local ordinances, landowners, and safety permit.
For more detailed information on ground squirrel control and other control methods not mentioned here, check out ANR's online resources Pest Notes: Ground Squirrel and the Ground Squirrel BMPs website.
[Article originally published in the Summer 2021 issue of the Green Bulletin.]
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- Author: Dawn H. Gouge, UA Entomology
- Author: Shaku Nair, UA Entomology
- Author: Lynn Rose, NH Environmental Services
- Author: Mansel Nelson, NAU, Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals
- View More...
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 legal minors under the age of 18 so may not use disinfectant wipes. Students, because of their developmental stage in life, have unique vulnerabilities leaving them prone to negative effects after chemical exposure. Younger students are also more likely to use wipes inappropriately, for example, using them to wipe their hands and faces.
Disposable wipes are not all the same
Disposable wipes may look similar, but they come in different forms designed for very different uses and cannot be used interchangeably. Accordingly, wipes come with differing directions for use. Figure 1 shows a few different types: (A) EPA registered surface sanitizing wipes that can be used on “food contact” surfaces. (B) EPA registered disinfectant wipes for non-food-contact surfaces. (C) FDA regulated hand sanitizing wipes. These are over-the-counter products for your hands and are not designed for cleaning surfaces.
Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting
Pesticide label references to “cleaning”, “disinfecting” and “sanitizing” properties mean different things. Cleaning removes bacteria, virus, and other pathogens (germs), dirt, and impurities from surfaces or objects. Cleaning alone does not kill or deactivate all germs.
Disinfectants contain chemicals that kill or deactivate specific pathogens indicated on labels. They are used to disinfect surfaces or objects. Only wipes listed in the EPA's List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) are approved for use against SARS-CoV-2, and only if they are used according to label directions.
Sanitizing products use chemicals to lower the number of pathogens on surfaces or objects to a safe level, as judged by public health standards or requirements.
Some products are EPA approved as both a sanitizer and a disinfectant, however contact times differ and are pathogen specific. Currently, there are no sanitizer-only products with approved virus claims. For this reason, sanitizers do not qualify for inclusion on EPA's List N.
Products for “surface” sanitizing (EPA antimicrobial pesticide) and “hand” sanitizing (FDA over-the-counter drug) may look very similar. Some have different ingredients, while some have similar ingredients. However, these products are regulated by two different agencies, and are NOT interchangeable.
New CDC guidance
New cleaning and disinfection guidance was released April 5, 2021 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While the SARS-CoV-2 virus is primarily airborne, it is possible for people to be infected by contacting contaminated surfaces.
Cleaning with products containing soap or detergent reduces germs on surfaces by removing contaminants and may also weaken or damage some of the virus particles, decreasing infection risk from surfaces.
When no people with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infections are known to have been in a space, cleaning once a day is usually enough to sufficiently remove virus particles that may be on surfaces and help maintain a healthy facility. Disinfecting using List N productsdestroys any remaining germs on surfaces, which further reduces any risk of spreading infection.
You may want to either clean more frequently or choose to disinfect (in addition to cleaning) in shared spaces if:
- There is a high transmission of COVID-19 in your community,
- Low number of people wearing masks who aren't vaccinated,
- Infrequent hand hygiene, or
- The space is occupied by certain populations, such as people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19
If there has been a sick person or someone who tested positive for COVID-19 in your facility within the last 24 hours, you should clean AND disinfect the space.
Label requirements
Use of disinfectant wipes may incur regulatory compliance challenges and lost time learning time in class. Some wipes may require the use of chemically resistant gloves and hands shouldalways be washed with soap and water after using disinfectant wipes, even if gloves are worn.
For teachers and students transitioning classrooms 6-8 times a day, 5 days a week, the use of disinfectants before each transition can incur unusual chemical exposure. Store-bought disinfectant products used in this way far exceeds the frequency and duration of normal consumer use. Therefore, the use of such products would necessitate inclusion in an employer's hazard communication program. This would involve training on hazards and precautions, and staff access to product labels in a familiar language and safety data sheets at each location.
Health and safety risks
Recent events have documented increases in negative health impacts caused by cleaning and disinfection in both homes and school settings. Many ingredients in wipes can pose health and safety risks. Wipes come with different active ingredients and additives. Commonly found active ingredients such as chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite), and quaternary ammonium compounds (benzalkonium chlorides can irritate eyes, skin and trigger asthma symptoms. Inert ingredients can also be problematic. Adequate ventilation while using products is vitally important.
To find options with lower risk look for the EPA Design for the Environment logo on products. Safer active ingredients for disinfectants currently available include hydrogen peroxide, citric acid, lactic acid, and ethanol.
Don't mix products
Mixing products can result in serious injury or death. NEVER mix a disinfectant with another disinfectant, home-made cleaning solutions, store-bought cleaning products or hand sanitizer. For example, mixing chlorine bleach and ammonia cleaners can lead to the production of potentially lethal chlorine gas (Table 1).
Storage requirements
Disinfectant wipes have specific storage requirements including temperature limits, ventilation requirements, shelf-life expiration dates, chemical separation requirements, and storage out of reach of children. Never store disinfectants under classroom sinks, on overhead shelving, or in student accessible areas.
For more information about cleaning and disinfecting, see these resources:
- CDC information on cleaning and disinfecting facilities
- CDC on surface cleaning and disinfection needs
- The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) information about antimicrobial pesticides
- US EPA factsheet on cleaning and disinfecting
- US EPA list N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
- US EPA directory of disinfectants that meet Design for the Environment standards
[Original article published in the Spring 2021 issue of the Retail Newsletter.]
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- Author: Elaine Lander
February is a month where we celebrate and acknowledge many things: Black History Month, Valentine's Day, Groundhog Day, President's Day, and others. But did you know February is also National Pesticide Safety Education Month? While pesticide safety is important year round, we at UC IPM are taking time to reinforce this topic to help those who use pesticides stay safe.
Pesticides used in gardens, landscapes, and around the home include store bought products, aerosol bug sprays, weed killers (herbicides), concentrated or ready-to-use products, and even home-made mixtures used for killing pests.
Basic Pesticide Safety
- Read the label before purchasing a pesticide to make sure you know how to use it correctly.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling pesticides.
- Store pesticides in a secure spot, away from food, children, and pets. Locked cabinets or higher shelves are recommended.
- Dispose of pesticides properly.
Check out these blog posts on what is a pesticide, what pesticide terms mean, reading pesticide labels, what to wear when using pesticides, and preventing pesticide poisoning for more information.
In the time of coronavirus, remember that disinfectants are pesticides too so be sure to use disinfectants and sanitizers safely.
For more about using pesticides in homes and landscapes, please visit our website where you can learn about different active ingredients, less toxic insecticides, and pesticides and water quality.
So even though February is the shortest month of the year, there is much to recognize and celebrate, including staying safe and healthy.
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- Author: Karey Windbiel-Rojas
- Author: Belinda J. Messenger-Sikes
In order to stay healthy and keep our spaces clean during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are using disinfectants and sanitizers more than they may have before. The Centers for Disease Control say to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus, people should wash hands often with soap and water, and for surfaces, clean first with soap and water then disinfect. When used according to label directions, this will reduce the virus particles present that could infect people.
Disinfectants are pesticides
Disinfectants are designed to kill germs, including viruses, on surfaces and are designated by law to be pesticides. These antimicrobial pesticides are vital to prevent the spread of germs that cause diseases, including COVID-19. Disinfectants, like any other pesticide, must be used carefully to avoid personal injury during exposure and for them to work as intended.
Always read the label and follow the directions carefully. Many people neglect to leave a disinfectant wet on the surface for long enough to properly disinfect (the contact time) or may not rinse the surface after disinfection when required. For more information, see the blog post on this topic.
Hand sanitizers vs surface sanitizers
Surface sanitizers are registered for use on hard surfaces and are considered pesticides. They should only be used on surfaces, not on your skin. Disinfecting wipes labeled for use on surfaces are not the same as cleansing wipes, such as baby wipes, intended for use on the skin.
If you're unsure about the product and its intended uses, check the label or packaging. See our blog post on reading pesticide labels.
Protect yourself
You may have heard a lot about “PPE” or personal protective equipment recently. Medical professionals use PPE to protect themselves and others from spreading the COVID-19 virus and other germs, but did you know PPE is also listed on a pesticide label? Wearing PPE when applying pesticides helps to prevent or limit exposure to the chemicals in the pesticide product. For more information about what to wear when using pesticides, see this blog post.
Health risks
There are health risks from using disinfectants and sanitizers improperly. With the recent nationwide increase in disinfectant use, poison centers have seen a surge in people becoming ill from exposure to disinfectants. When using a surface disinfectant like bleach, remember that you must never apply it to yourself or others. Do not ingest disinfectant products; this includes spraying the product directly on food.
Take care not to inhale fumes from a disinfectant product as you use it to disinfect surfaces. As with any pesticide, wash your hands after using sanitizer and disinfectant products.
See the fact sheet from the American Association of Poison Control Centers for more information.
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