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Residences, Structures and Communities |
I have received two telephone calls in the last several days pertaining to the use of Dursban in residential settings. Most everyone should be aware that Dursban was withdrawn from the consumer market. Many retail stores specifically advertise other products as alternatives to Dursban.
Although the sale of Dursban labeled for use in residential settings stopped after December 31, 2001, the public (and even pest control operators and lawncare companies) can legally use any remaining product that they have on hand. The only immediate bans on Dursban's use were directed at applications to apples and tomatoes. There were also restrictions placed on its use for termite control. Of course, most professional users have already expended their existing supplies and have switched to other chemicals.
So, while we are no longer recommending Dursban as a chemical of choice for the general public, we do that in part because people will not find it in the retail stores. They will find an assortment of less toxic, yet effective alternatives (of course "effective" may be a matter of opinion to some people).
If people call and ask if they can spray some leftover Dursban to control pests in/around their home, they are free to do so as long as they follow the label instructions for applying it. My advice would be to preferentially use it up against outdoor pests. Unless the EPA issues some new directive, people can continue using their existing supplies until they are expended.
Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
Last modified on April 29, 2002 by Stephen J. Toth, Jr.