What is a pesticide? Registration with EPA Exemption from registration with EPA (minimum risk/25b pesticides) EPA Registration Number What will the product label tell me? Does the product label specify bed bug use? Benefits of selecting EPA-registered products labeled for bed bugs Pesticide misuse concerns Products registered with EPA for bed bug control Products registered in Wisconsin Using pesticide products in Wisconsin Understanding pesticide risks
Pesticides are substances used to control pests. Pests are living organisms that occur where they are not wanted or that cause damage to crops, humans, or other animals. Examples of pests include insects, mice and other animals, weeds, plant diseases, and microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses. Pesticides that are intended to control insects are called insecticides.
A pesticide product may contain both active and inert (other) ingredients. Active ingredients have an effect against pests (killing, controlling growth, drying out, etc.) while inert/other ingredients help with the application/delivery of the product.
For general information on pesticides visit EPA article: What is a pesticide?
EPA article stating that foggers and bug bombs do not control bed bugs: Safety precautions for total release foggers
Whether a product must be registered as a pesticide with EPA depends on the make-up of the product and the product claims. Most products that have claims to kill or control bed bugs must be registered with EPA. These products bear an EPA Registration Number on their labels.
Note: all pesticide products, including minimum risk pesticides, sold and distributed in Wisconsin must be registered with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Visit DATCPs Pesticide manufacturer and labeler license web page for more information.
The EPA Registration Number, often written as EPA Reg. No., is a unique identification number assigned by EPA to each EPA-registered product. The number is listed on the container label for each pesticide product, except for products exempt from registration.
Examples: EPA Reg. No. 123-45 and EPA Reg. No. 678-9-1000.
The number indicates that the manufacturer has met EPAs regulatory requirements for registration, that EPA has approved the label directions (use sites, directions, precautions, etc.), and that EPA has registered the product for sale and distribution in the United States. It does not mean that EPA endorses the product or makes claims about the products effectiveness or safety.
Read more here:
Bed Bugs - Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade ...