New Public Service Announcement on Rodent Management

A public service announcement on rodent management was released from the EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs on 1/22/10:

A new video public service announcement provides information on how to prevent rats and mice from infesting homes. Entitled "Infestations Vacations," the video is a spoof of a television commercial advertising a vacation service for rats. By showing all the "amenities" that attract rodents into homes, the video educates viewers on how to prevent infestations in the first place and, as a result, eliminate the need to use pesticides for rodent control. The public service announcement was developed by EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs in partnership with students from Howard University in Washington, D.C. It was produced by the Earth Conservation Corps, a non-profit organization that prepares inner-city youth for environmental careers. To view the video, go to:

English: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/controlling/rodents.htm
Spanish: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/controlling/rodents-sp.html

Bed Bug Resistance to Insecticides is Widespread

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- In a recent study, entomologists at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture found the majority of bed bugs in the United States appear to have developed genetic mutations, making them resistant to the most commonly used insecticides called pyrethroids.

While there are many different types of pyrethroids, UK researchers have found once a bug is resistant to one, they are likely resistant to others in the same category. To read the full article, click here.

Bed Bug Trap - Make It At Home!

NEW BRUNSWICK (WABC) -- It just might be the solution to the bed bug infestation that's exploded in the city the last couple years. And what's more, you can do it yourself. And the cost? Less than 20 bucks.

It may look like an ordinary cooler, some dry ice, some talcum powder and, an upside down pet dish.

But one Rutgers professor says when combined these four ingredients can take a big bite out of a bed bug infestation.

"It's a very exciting discovery." Dr. Changlu Wang heads up the urban entomology department at Rutgers University. There, he's been studying bed bugs for nearly 3 years. Read the full story.

Law Allows Companies to Hide Risks of Chemicals

The Washington Post recently released an article which highlights one of the main reasons why basic safeguards, better precautions, tracking, and reporting are needed in order to protect the public (especially children and sensitive populations) and the environment from unnecessary exposure to toxic substances. The full article can be found here.

EPA Seeks Applications for Environmental Community Grants

EPA is making $2 million available in 2010 to reduce pollution at the local level through the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program. CARE is a community-based program that works with county and local governments, tribes, non-profit organizations and universities to help the public understand and reduce toxic risks from numerous sources. Since 2005, the grants have reached 68 communities in 34 states and territories. A recent evaluation by the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA) recognized the CARE program as a solid tested framework for engaging communities and other stakeholders.


EPA will award CARE cooperative agreements in two levels. Level I awards range from $75,000 to $100,000 and will help establish community-based partnerships to develop local environmental priorities. Level II awards, ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 each, will support communities that have established broad-based partnerships, have identified the priority toxic risks in the community, and are prepared to measure results, implement risk-reduction activities and become self-sustaining.


Applications for the CARE grants are due March 9, 2010. EPA will conduct three Webcasts to answer questions from prospective applicants about the application process on Feb. 2, 23, and 26 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. eastern time.


For more information about the grants: http://www.epa.gov/care/

EPA Seeks to Disclose Pesticide Inert Ingredients

The US EPA announced in late December that it is requesting public comment on options for disclosing inert ingredients in pesticides. In this anticipated rulemaking, EPA is seeking ideas for greater disclosure of inert ingredient identities. Inert ingredients are part of the end use product formulation and are not active ingredients. Revealing inert ingredients will help consumers make informed decisions and will better protect public health and the environment. To read the full article, click here.