Consumer Information Sheets

Consumer Information Sheet

Lawn & Ornamental Insect Control

(REQUIRED BY THE TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE STRUCTURAL PEST CONTROL SERVICE)

Pesticides must be registered with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Texas Department of Agriculture before they may be used in Texas.

EPA registration is not a finding of product safety. Pesticides are designed to control and repel pests. Your risk of harm depends upon the degree of your exposure to a particular pesticide and your individual susceptibility. Specific health and safety information varies between pesticides and types of exposures and is available on the label information or MSDS sheet (usually only refers to the undiluted products) which can be supplied to you upon request from the licensed applicator. Take normal precautions when a treatment has been performed. Pesticides may be harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Avoid breathing dust or spray mist and any unnecessary contact with treated surfaces. If you desire specific information on precautions, refer to the pesticide label. The law requires that the application procedures specified on the label be followed.

In order to minimize the reliance on pesticides and reduce pest populations, you may wish to consider Integrated Pest Management (IPM). IPM methods to control pests (including weeds) take advantage of all pest management options, including but not limited to the judicious use of pesticides and non-chemical methods. An IPM program is one designed to create a healthy lawn and/or landscape with sufficient plant strength and density to survive weed, insect, and disease attacks with minimum pesticide use. An IPM program must consider your lawn or landscape’s specific needs and overall condition. An IPM program requires the support proper cultural practices. IPM uses the best mix of techniques, which can
include cultural methods, the use of beneficial insects, biological and discreet use of control products. Your lawn and landscape operator may offer these services upon request. A proper inspection should provide the necessary information to choose the method of pest control which best suits your situation.

If you have questions about the applications, contact the business or person making the application. If you suspect a violation of the law regarding structural pest control, contact the Structural Pest Control Service (SPCS). The structural pest control industry is regulated by the Texas Department of Agriculture, Structural Pest Control Service, PO Box 12847, Austin, TX 78711-2847. SPCS licenses the businesses, certified applicator and technicians who perform structural pest control work, including lawn and landscape. If a commercial service is used, all work is supervised by a licensed certified
commercial applicator. Otherwise a certified noncommercial applicator must perform the service. Certified applicators and technicians must pass a written examination in order to receive their licenses.

If you are contracting for pest control services due to a home solicitation, you have the right to cancel the contract within 72 hours. You may exercise this right by notifying the pest control company, prior to receiving service, that you do not wish to receive their service.

For general information on the chemical or health properties of pesticides, you may contact the National Pesticide Information Center at 1-800-858-7378. This hotline is a national service supported by funding from the US Environmental Protection Agency.

For information concerning structural pest control laws, contact the Structural Pest Control Service at 866-918-4481.

For information concerning the formulation and registration of pesticides, contact the Texas Department of Agriculture at (512) 463-7476.

For non-emergency health information relating to pesticides, contact the Texas Department of State Health Services at (512) 458-7111.

In case of a health emergency, seek immediate medical attention.