IRAC | Insecticide Resistance Action Committee | A coalition formed in 1984 to promote responsible pesticide use and to encourage practices that minimize development of pest resistance to insecticides. Pesticides are broken into categories that indicate how they work. Repeatedly using a pesticide from the same category can lead to reduced effectiveness of that category. |
Termiticide | A pesticide for termites | Termiticides are the primary method by which we prevent and eliminate termites. |
Insecticide | A pesticide for insects | Often interchangeable with pesticide. |
Pesticide | A chemical or biological material that kills or repels insects. | n/a |
Insect Growth Regulator | aka IGR, a chemical that interferes with the growth, development, or reproduction of insects. | IGR's are an important tool in controlling and reducing pest populations. They work by interfering with one or more parts of the insect's life cycle. |
EPA Reg | EPA Registration Number | All pesticides are required to be registered with the EPA in the United States. The EPA is the Environmental Protection Agency. In partnership with state agencies such as the Texas Department of Agriculture they regulate pest control operators and pesticide use to ensure public safety. |
SDS | Safety Data Sheet | Also called a Material Safety Data Sheet. This is an information sheet that explains what chemicals are in a product, the toxicity, flammability, and environmental safety of a product. They often have basic instructions on containment, treatment, or fire fighting for a product. |
Product Label | The label from the pesticide product | Each pesticide has a label that explains which pests it should be used on, at what concentrations, and how it should be applied. Pesticide labels often spell out details such as how long a pesticide needs to dry, how long it may work for, and any actions that should be taken to minimize risk to people. Examples include not applying pesticides to food preparation surfaces. |