Test Guideline Methods for Bed Bug Pesticide Products Now Available

For Release: June 15, 2017

EPA’s final test guidelines, 810.3900 - Laboratory Product Performance Testing Methods for Bed Bug Pesticide Products, provides recommendations for the design and execution of laboratory studies to evaluate the performance of pesticide products intended to be effective against bed bugs. The guidance also includes directions for data reporting. 

This guidance applies to products to be applied for a pesticidal purpose such as to attract, repel, or kill bed bugs. It does not apply to repellent products applied to human skin, and does not apply to products exempt from Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act registration under 40 CFR 152.25. 

EPA’s test guidelines are intended for use in the testing of pesticides and toxic substances and  development of data for submission to the EPA. The test guidelines are organized by series number Final Test Guidelines for Pesticides and Toxic Substances. 

Under FIFRA, all companies wishing to register a pesticide product for use against public health pests, such as bed bugs, must submit pesticide product performance data that demonstrate that the pesticide product works against the pests for which the product is intended. The data generated to support pesticide product label claims against public health pests are required to be submitted when applying for registration to help inform the Agency’s regulatory decisions during the registration process. 

Go to www.regulations.gov, docket #EPA-HQ-OPPT-2009-0150  to view the series 810.3900 test guidelines. 

Go to www.regulations.gov, docket #EPA-HQ-OPP-2011-1017, to view the Federal Register Notice for this action.