Question 1

What products require registration as pesticides?

Accepted Answer

Generally any substance or mixture of substances claiming to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate a pest. Legal sales of pesticides can only be made following proper registration.

Question 2

Who regulates insect repellents and biopesticides in the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

Federal: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees all pesticide registrations. Synthetic pesticides are managed by the Registration Division, while biopesticides fall under the Biopesticide and Pollution Prevention Division.

State: Individual state regulatory agencies, such as the Department of Pesticide Regulation in California or the State Chemist in Indiana, enforce local pesticide regulations.

Question 3

What are the differences between EPA-registered and FIFRA exempt?

Accepted Answer

EPA-Registered: These pesticides are reviewed and approved by the U.S. EPA to ensure they meet federal safety and efficacy standards. The registration process, regulated under Section 3 of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), requires manufacturers to submit scientific data on toxicity and environmental impact.

FIFRA-Exempt: Some pesticides are exempt from EPA registration under FIFRA Section 25(b) if they contain active and inert ingredients considered safe. These "minimum risk pesticides" do not require extensive testing but must comply with state regulations. They are typically made from natural or low-risk substances, such as essential oils, and do not carry an EPA registration number.

Question 4

What active and inert ingredients are allowed in FIFRA-Exempt products?

Accepted Answer

Active ingredient list is found here: View list  (https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-12/documents/minrisk-active-ingredients-tolerances-2015-12-15.pdf)

Inert ingredient list is found here: View list (https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-11/documents/minrisk_inert_ingredients_w_tolerances_2016-11-16.pdf)

Question 5

What is the difference between a pesticide and an insect repellent?

Accepted Answer

All insect repellents are considered  pesticides by the EPA.

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