Pyrethroids, a type of pesticide frequently used by consumers in the form of lice treatments, pet flea medications and to protect against roaches, ants and mosquitoes, are associated with an increased risk of death, according to a new study in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine. Read more on Consumer Reports

The February 6th cut-off date for chlorpyrifos sales in California is fast approaching. Storage and use of existing supplies of chlorpyrifos will remain legal until December 31st. Read more on Agnet West

Last week, Gustavus Adolphus student Shauna Capron published a column in Minnpost presenting the risks of neonicotinoid pesticide use, as well as farmer perspectives, and potential IPM alternatives. “When using neonicotinoids, it is necessary to consider both the benefits of food security and crop yields along with the larger impacts they have on the environment… Read more »

Palm Beach, Florida recently approved a special pick-up program that would remove Ficus benjamina from private properties at no cost to residents. Fiscus is a flowering plant popular as a hedge, prone to developing white fly infestations that require a heavy pesticide regimen to treat. Read more at the Palm Beach Post.

A new study has found major benefits to the application of IPM techniques against cockroach and bed bug infestations in multi-family housing units. “In a recent paper published in the Journal of Integrated Pest Management, Changlu Wang, Ph.D., an entomologist at Rutgers University, confirmed the benefits of building-wide integrated pest management (IPM) after applying IPM techniques to a… Read more »