Insecticides

Banned Insecticides

Insecticides fall into two types like inorganic and organic. Organic molecules forever contain carbon and inorganic do not. Methyl Bromide (CH3Br) is organic and Ammonia NH3 is inorganic. The inorganic insecticides in main use are:

1. Silica (SiO2) - this acts as a desiccant and strips off the waxy coating off the cuticle of the insect therefore causing suffocation. This is occasionally referred to as diatomaceous earth and is made up of the frustules of diatoms. This material also has a tremendous surface area which explains why it is a superior absorbent. These are unicellular algae characterized by the silicified cell made by two halves.

2. Boric Acid (H3BO3) - also known as boracic acid and is used for incorporating into baits for ant control.

The groups of organic insecticides: Organo phosphorous compounds (OP) are compounds made up of an organic molecule to which has been added Phosphorous. An element used specifically to kill or control the growth of insects. Few insecticides have been banned because of their adverse effects on animals or humans. Dursban is one that has been banned. Dursban causes weakness, vomiting, diarrhea and extra ill effects in children. Dursban was in hundreds of products including some of Raid sprays, Hartz yard and kennel flea spray and Black Flag liquid roach and ant killer.

Types of products exempted from registration: Fumigants controlled beneath the Hydrogen Cyanide Act, even though these fumigants are used for vector control.

1. Repellents of non-chemical properties. 2. Pesticides or repellents imported solely for re-export purpose. 3. Pesticides solely for agricultural and for gardening purpose. 4. Pesticides that are besieged at pests other than the five vectors

Pesticides or repellents are classified into 2 groups like for general use and for restricted use. For general use products are those, which can be used by householders straight, usually exclusive of the need for further dilution or mixing. These products come in formulations like aerosol spray, chalk, coil, mat and vaporizer. They are ready-to-use products which can be sold to anyone. For restricted use pesticides or repellents are products, which should only be sold to and used by registered pest control operators and approved technicians. These products are usually in concentrated form with higher amount of killing ingredients. Therefore, they must be handled by trained professionals and not by general householders.

Insecticides