You've heard of terms such as green, organic, natural, ecofriendly, and less toxic to describe pest control products and services. But what do these terms really mean? To different people, they can mean different things, creating obvious confusion. But some of these terms have specific meanings, regulations, and rules when referring to pesticides and pest control. This article aims to clarify the differences. 

What is organic?

The EPA’s three leaf logo may appear on pesticides that meet NOP standards. Some pesticides may also include the NOP statement “For Organic Gardening”.

Some people think organic means no pesticides, but that is incorrect. The term organic (in the context of food production and pest control) can mean no pesticides were used, but it can also mean that only organically acceptable pesticides and fertilizers were used.

The term “organic” is regulated by federal agencies. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines whether a pesticide can be labeled organic. In addition, the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Organic Program (NOP) sets standards for organic pesticides and fertilizers. Pesticides that meet these standards may use the EPA's three leaf logo, and the NOP statement “For Organic Gardening”. 

The OMRI seal may appear on pesticides determined as organically acceptable by the Organic Materials Review Institute.

Organic pesticides may be naturally derived from plants or made from natural elements, or they can be artificially made. While organic pesticides are often less toxic to people, beneficial insects, or other organisms, some can be just as harmful as certain conventional pesticides.

If you choose to use pesticides around your home or garden and want them to be organically acceptable, look for the EPA's three leaf logo with the NOP statement “For Organic Gardening” or the OMRI seal. The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is an independent nonprofit organization that reviews and determines whether inputs (fertilizers and pesticides) are allowed for organic use in accordance with one or more specific organic standards.

What does natural mean?

You may have come across pesticide products that contain “natural” ingredients such as oils of rosemary, peppermint, or thyme. The term “natural” is not defined by any federal program or organization. For this reason, the terms “natural” or “naturally” are not allowed on pesticide labels registered by EPA.

Certain ingredients, like many plant-based oils, are exempt from EPA registration because they are considered to pose little to no risk to human health or the environment. Since EPA does not register these products, the product manufacturers may use the terms “natural” or “naturally.” 

What is less toxic?

Some pesticides are derived from plants. The active ingredient pyrethrum is derived from chrysanthemum flowers. Photo by Howard F. Schwartz, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org

Toxicity is the ability of a chemical to injure a person, plant, or other organism. The term less toxic is not officially defined by regulatory agencies, but it generally means a pesticide or practice presents fewer risks to people, the environment, and non-target organisms (such as pollinators, fish, and other wildlife). 

Less toxic pesticides often include active ingredients that are organically acceptable but may also include others that are not.

Some less toxic pesticides that are often available in stores as organic formulations include pesticidal soaps (potassium salts of fatty acids), horticultural oils (vegetable or petroleum oils), botanicals (neem, limonene, pyrethrin), minerals (diatomaceous earth, sulfur, boric acid), and biologicals (Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), spinosad).

While you may assume products labeled organic or natural are better for you and the environment, that is not always the case. All pesticides, whether they're less toxic, natural, or organic, can be harmful to the environment and non-target organisms when not used appropriately. Review the product label and look at the active ingredients listed.

For more information about specific pesticide active ingredients, see the UC IPM Pesticide Active Ingredient database or visit the National Pesticide Information Center's (NPIC) pesticide fact sheets.

[Originally featured in the Summer 2024 edition of the Home and Garden Pest Newsletter]