Household
Pesticides
Hazards & Alternatives
A Fact Sheet from Toxic Free NC
Printer-friendly PDF of this factsheet (364 KB)
Many
household pesticides are toxic chemicals that
should not be used around children, sensitive
individuals or pets. This list of common products
and alternatives will help you make safer decisions
for pest control around your home. Check the
labels on products you are considering using.
For the most effective pest control, prevent
pest problems with the checklist below. Once
you have discovered and removed the pest’s
sources of food, water and entry to your home,
they will go away –
but it can take time, so be patient before
you reach for a poison.
PESTICIDE |
PRODUCT
INFORMATION |
ALTERNATIVES |
| Sprays & foggers |
There are many spray and fogger products available. Spraying spreads a fine chemical mist throughout your home, which is easy to inhale and creates residues that can persist for a long time. | Try prevention first. Use targeted methods such as baits, traps, gels and pastes (also known as “crack and crevice” treatments) instead of sprays. |
| Imidacloprid |
Widely used in agriculture and home pest control, especially in topical flea & tick solutions like Advantage, as well as for wood treatment. Toxic to the nervous system; suspected of causing reproductive problems. (1) Breaks down very slowly. | Minimize use; baits or spot applications are preferable to sprays. Alternatives include flea combing, boric acid and diatomaceous earth. |
| Lindane |
A miticide used in prescription lice shampoo and lotions such as Nix. Extremely hazardous, especially to children and pregnant women. May cause cancer in humans. (2) | Lice can be eliminated with vigilant use of lice combs. Choose less hazardous formulations. |
| Fipronil |
An insecticide used in pet flea treatments such as Frontline & Topspot, and ant & roach products such as Combat. Can irritate pets’ skin and cause hair loss; causes cancer in rats and “possible” carcinogen in humans. (3) | See alternatives to Imidacloprid, above. |
| Pyrethroids |
A large group of chemicals including permethrin, tetramethrin, cyfluthrin and others widely used in various insect control products. Pyrethroids are suspected of damaging the human reproductive system; some are suspected of causing cancer. (4) | Choose targeted application methods such as baits instead of spraying these products. Diatomaceous earth, boric acid and mechanical controls such as cleaning up messes and caulking cracks are good alternatives. |
| Piperonyl butoxide |
One of the most common ingredients in pesticideproducts such as Raid spray and RID lice shampoo; a “possible” carcinogen & reproductive toxin. (5) | See alternatives to Imidacloprid and Lindane, above. |
Pest prevention checklist
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Install and repair screens on windows & doors.
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Seal cracks around windows and doors with caulk or weather-stripping.
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Inspect groceries and used furniture for insects before bringing them home.
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Trim plants and shrubs to keep them at least one foot away from the structure.
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Remove piles of scrap wood, mulch or leaves from around the outside of the house.
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Clean up all spills and messes.
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Keep trash tightly sealed; empty trash and recycling containers often.
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Don’t leave out dirty dishes.
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Store all food (including pet food) in pest-proof containers with tight-fitting lids.
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Clean out grease and crumbs from your kitchen regularly.
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Repair leaky pipes and plumbing.
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Get rid of old piles of paper and cardboard.
References
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US EPA. Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances, Registration Division. 1993. Imidacloprid. Evaluation of toxicity data submitted and identification of outstanding toxicology data requirements.
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IARC Group 2B, Possible Carcinogens. International Agency for Research on Cancer. Viewed on August 10, 2003. US EPA Group B2, Probable human carcinogen (based on animal data). Office of Pesticide Programs List of Chemicals Evaluated for Carcinogenic Potential, August 25, 1999, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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US EPA Group C, Possible human carcinogen (based on limited data). Office of Pesticide Programs List of Chemicals Evaluated for Carcinogenic Potential, August 25, 1999, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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“Hormonal and Environmental Factors Affecting Cell proliferation and Neoplasia in the Mammary Gland.” Progress in Clinical and Biological Research (PCBR). 394:211-53, 1996
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Cox, Caroline 2002. “Piperonyl Butoxide.” Journal of Pesticide Reform 22:2 (12-20).