A pesticide is any substance that is used to kill a pest or prevent or reduce the damage it may cause. The term pest refers to any organism that bothers humans or hinders their activities. General groups of pests include some insects, rodents, weeds, and organisms that cause disease. Pesticides are categorized according to the pest or problem that they control. For example, insecticides control insects, herbicides control weeds, and fungicides control plant disease.

Did you know that these common household products are pesticides?

• Insect repellents for personal use.
• Termite control products.
• Mouse poisons.
• Flea and tick sprays, powders, and pet collars.
• Some kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants
  and sanitizers.
• Products to kill mold and mildew.
• Lawn and garden products such as weed killers (herbicides).
• Swimming pool chemicals, including those that kill algae.
• Repellents that keep deer, raccoons, or rabbits away from your garden.

Pesticides can consist of one or more active ingredients and inert ingredients. The active ingredient is the part that controls or repels the pest. The inert ingredients are used to dilute the active ingredient and/or aid the effectiveness of the active ingredient.

The sale and use of pesticides is regulated federally by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An EPA Registration number is printed on the label of most pesticides (e.g., EPA Reg. No. 2760-460); the number automatically identifies the product as a pesticide (see Reading the Pesticide Label). Some products may contain active ingredients that are considered “minimum risk”. These products will not have an EPA registration number, but must still comply with minimum EPA standards regarding labeling information. Pesticides must be sold in the manufacturer’s original container with a complete label. If you have doubts that a pesticide is legal, contact your State Lead Agency .

It is up to everyone who is involved with pesticides, whether they are farmers, commercial applicators, or gardeners, to ensure that they are used and stored correctly. This module is designed to provide the general public with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about pesticide use in the home, yard, and garden.

(Some content adapted from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s “Citizen’s Guide to Pest Control and Pesticide Safety”. Revised 2005. http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/Publications/Cit_Guide/citguide.pdf