The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has unveiled its proposed registration decision for products containing veratrine, a groundbreaking active ingredient (AI) insecticide. Designed for use on non-food man-made structures like transportation equipment and warehouses, veratrine offers a novel solution to pest control with a reduced risk of cross-resistance. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the key updates and how REACH24H can assist your business in navigating these changes.

What is Veratrine and Why is it Important?

Veratrine targets insect nervous systems with a mechanism similar to pyrethroids but has a critical advantage: it minimizes concerns about cross-resistance. Cross-resistance occurs when pests become resistant to multiple insecticides within the same class, rendering control efforts ineffective. Veratrine’s innovative action addresses this issue, making it an effective tool against pests like:

• Brown marmorated stink bug

• Boxelder bug

• Houseflies

• Ants (excluding carpenters, harvester, pharaohs, and fire ants)

EPA’s Risk Assessments and Findings

The EPA’s comprehensive evaluation includes both human health and ecological risk assessments, yielding encouraging results:

• Human Health Risks: No significant risks were identified when used according to the product label.

• Environmental Risks: A No Effect determination under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) confirms that veratrine use will not harm listed species or critical habitats.

This aligns with the EPA’s April 2022 ESA Workplan, ensuring environmental safety while expanding pest control options.

Usage Guidelines and Label Restrictions

To ensure safe and effective use, veratrine products come with detailed label restrictions:

1、Application Limits: Spot, crack, and crevice treatments are permitted only on vertical surfaces of specific man-made structures (e.g., warehouses, commercial buildings, and garages).

2、Prohibited Uses: No applications on horizontal surfaces or as perimeter treatments.

3、Annual Limit: No more than 12 applications per calendar year.

These restrictions aim to prevent misuse and safeguard human and environmental health.

Next Steps in the Regulatory Process

The EPA has opened a 30-day public comment period, closing on November 28, 2024. Feedback will be considered before making a final registration decision to ensure the product meets the standards of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA).

Businesses and stakeholders are encouraged to participate by reviewing the proposal and submitting comments via docket ID EPA-HQ-OPP-2022-0772 on regulations.gov.

Source: EPA