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Using Pesticides Only When Absolutely Necessary: Two D.C. Agencies Recognized as Examples for Everyone

Release Date: 7/28/2005
Contact Information: Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

Bonnie Smith, 215-814-5543

PHILADELPHIA – Edison Electric Institute and the U.S. Department of Defense were recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as pesticide environmental stewardship program champions for their efforts in preventing pollution and reducing pesticide risk. Both of these champions are located in Washington, D.C.

Pesticide environmental stewardship program (PESP) champions use integrated pest management (IPM) strategies to reduce the human health and environmental risks associated with pesticide use. IPM integrates knowledge of pests identity (such as insects, rodents, weeds, etc.) and biology with pest monitoring so that action, if needed, can be taken at just the right time. In addition, IPM uses a combination of pest control methods with the application of conventional pesticides only when absolutely necessary.

EPA encourages everyone to use the IPM strategies employed by these champions.
They include: (1) sampling to determine pest population levels; (2) training and demonstrating integrated pest management practices; (3) cultural practices such as crop rotation; (4) controlling or managing pests through biologically based technologies; (5) applying less toxic or reduced-risk pesticides such as insect growth regulators; and (6) the use of conventional pesticides only when absolutely necessary.

Launched in 1994, the pesticide environmental stewardship program is a voluntary public/private partnership to reduce pesticide risk. A ceremony was held to recognize the Edison Electric Institute, the Dept. of Defense, and fourteen other champions on July 15 in Arlington, Va. More information on the accomplishments of the 2005 PESP Champions is available at https://www.epa.gov/oppbppd1/PESP/.

For more information about ways to control pests by using integrated pest management see EPA’s website at https://www.epa.gov/pesticides/controlling/index.htm.