May 2009 Safety for Homemade Remedies for Control by Cecil Tharp, Education Specialist, Montana State University Homeowners and applicators are nicotine is searching for new and innovative ways more toxic to prevent pests from damaging their than many gardens, trees or homes. Information commonly on alternative pest control options are used synthetic readily available using the World Wide Web, some of which are termed ‘Natural’ including or ‘Homemade’. The term ‘Natural’ is , often misleading and could be better www.oberista.wordpress.com Banvel termed as a botanical (plant derived). (), , and 2,4-D towards Many botanical pest control options may mammals. Doses extracted from cigarettes be available around the home. Some for use in pest control are often much botanical pest control options would higher than doses one would receive include Rhubarb (active ingredient from one cigarette or pinch of snuff.

Clipart.com oxalic acid) or Chrysanthemum Flowers High doses of nicotine may cause a (active ingredient ), while stimulatory effect initially followed some non-natural remedies that are still by nausea, cardiac arrest or respiratory INSIDE: homemade pest remedies may include problems. Nicotine has also been Safety for Homemade using cigarettes (nicotine), gasoline or correlated with developmental effects Remediesfor Pest Control...... 1 kerosene. Because these pest control on unborn babies. Many other synthetic School IPM in Montana...... 2 options are found around the home, pesticides which contain precautionary they are often viewed as safe. A lack of statements use derivatives of nicotine Cheatgrass: A Growing a product label does not imply they are as the active ingredient in pest control Problem in Montana...... 3 safe under all circumstances. Always know (Gaucho, Provado, or Admire). Pesticide Disposal Program...... 4 your pesticides mode of action and the health risks it poses to you, other non- Rhubarb. Though the stems of rhubarb Cooperative Agricultural can be ingested, the leaves contain a higher Pest Surveys in Montana...... 4 targets and the environment. Some high risk home remedies should be used only concentration of oxalic acid. Oxalic acid For Bee’s Sake, Read the after following safety precautions. Some may be extracted from rhubarb leaves Label Before Spraying for examples follow. through a cooking process and is often Mountain Beetles...... 5 prescribed in aphid control. Oxalic acid Pesticide News & Programs of Cigarettes. Some recipes call for the has been associated with deaths of goats, Montana Interest...... 6 extraction of nicotine from cigarettes swine, and humans through ingestion of through different means. Any pesticide high quantities Comments and/or Questions recipes using nicotine should be used of rhubarb from the Public...... 7 with caution. Nicotine, derived from leaves. Oxalic tobacco plants, is a potent acid poisoning is that acts on the nervous system similar to heavy causing mortality (depending on the metal poisoning. dose). Nicotine also has high mammalian Twenty-five toxicity (humans, dogs, , horses, cattle, grams of oxalic etc.). According to oral toxicity trials, (continued on pg 2) www.hort.purdue.edu 2 (continued from pg 1) acid will cause death to a 145-pound + a synergist) to the EPA height, resistant varieties) individual. The ingestion of small with only having • Use registered pesticides when quantities of rhubarb leaves may more reports. These symptoms tend to possible and follow the product label. leave you nauseated, while ingesting range from dizziness, headaches, and • Do your homework. Understand concentrated oxalic acid after allergic responses including skin rashes, your active ingredient and safety processing may be toxic. Symptoms asthma, and hives. Symptoms seem to be risks associated. This includes mode include gastrointestinal problems, dependent on individuals with a genetic of action, safety, non-target, and nausea, vomiting, respiratory problems, predisposition towards allergic responses environmental risks. esophageal swelling, and suffocation. to other factors. This chemical causes • Use all homemade pesticides high mortality towards bees and other immediately. Do not store. Chrysanthemum Flowers. Pyrethrum non-targets. Most of these reports are • Only produce the amount of may be extracted from a common urban due to misuse of the product and not homemade pesticide remedy needed flower, ‘The Chrysanthemum Flower’ reading the product label. for immediate use. (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, C. • Do not leave homemade pesticides cineum). Methods vary from chopping Care should be taken when applying any unattended or spray near children, and soaking flowers in a bucket, to homemade remedy around beneficial pets, and other family members. obtaining pyrethrum concentrate . Many homemade remedies cause through a grinding (flowers), boiling, mortality towards ladybeetles, , All regulated pesticides have been tested and percolation process. Pyrethrum is ants, and spiders. for human and environmental risks, with one of the most commonly used home clear recommendations on how to use and garden in the United Solution. Homemade pest control the product in an effective manner. It States. This pesticide is highly selective remedies are another viable option for may be safer to purchase some chemicals towards insects by targeting the insect controlling pests and many (including over the counter which have a product nervous system through disruption of the use of soap and water) have very label and contain similar chemical active the sodium ion channel. have little risk associated. Negligence with ingredients. Most home pest control low toxicity towards mammals due to your home remedies may cause risks remedies are valuable tools that pose mammalian enzymes which breakdown towards you, your pets and/or family. minimal risks if used appropriately. Follow these steps to minimize risks this chemical quickly. However, mild For more information contact Cecil symptoms of poisoning are reported when applying pesticides: • Use preventative techniques to Tharp, Pesticide Education Specialist, across the United States. In 1991, over MSU Bozeman ([email protected], 9,000 calls reported pyrethrin (or minimize applications (water deeply, fertilize, aerate, increase mowing (406) 994-5067). School IPM in Montana by Amy Bamber, Groundwater & Special Registrations Manager, Montana Department of EPA Region 8 has offered the Montana IPM system, pesticides may still be used, daycares. Some of the country’s most Department of Agriculture (MDA) but generally only as a last resort, not as active School IPM participants will share funding to facilitate the implementation a part of normal maintenance. their experiences with our Montana of School IPM in Montana. schools and daycares. MDA hopes that Around the country, schools using after the summit, a school district will Integrated pest management, or IPM, is School IPM have significantly reduced express an interest in transitioning to a system used in many schools around pest problems as well as pesticide School IPM, and that EPA funding can the county to better control pests while applications, and while there is an initial be used to provide training to school reducing pesticide use. Similar to the use cost of transitioning to School IPM, district personnel to assure IPM practices of IPM in an agricultural setting, School there is no increase in cost for pest are effectively implemented. IPM emphasizes knowing what pests are management through time. present and why they are there. The next School IPM is an effort that requires steps are fixing areas where pests get This August, Montana is hosting a both the school district and the into the school (screens, door sweeps), regional Children’s Environmental community to come together. If this changing behaviors (making sure Health summit in Missoula. MDA has is something that interests you, please garbage bins are lidded), and monitoring been involved in the development of the talk to your schools and let them for the presence of pests. In a School summit, which will focus on schools and know that you support School IPM. 3 Cheatgrass: A Growing Problem in Montana By Jane Mangold, Invasive Weed Specialist, Montana State University

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), also As an annual, cheatgrass relies on seed is often recommended. For example, known as downy brome, has been production to ensure its survival from applying Journey® (imazapic + increasing in the past few years across one generation to the next. Management ) and seeding desirable, range and crop systems in Montana. of cheatgrass should focus on preventing competitive vegetation in the fall may Native to southwestern Asia, cheatgrass seed production and depleting the soil assist in rehabilitating cheatgrass-infested was accidentally introduced to North seedbank. Integrating multiple control areas. Recently Matrix® (rimsulfuron) America in several independent events. measures is critical because cheatgrass and Landmark® (sulfometuron methyl Its presence was first reported in the is, by its nature, very difficult to control. + chlorsulfuron) were labeled for use late 1800s and since then it has spread For example, it is somewhat tolerant to in rangeland restoration and may prove to become one of the most problematic chemical control relative to other weedy effective for range troubled by cheatgrass. weeds in the West. plants. Its control is further complicated by the fact that we are often attempting In small grain cropping systems, Several biological traits of cheatgrass to eliminate it from a plant community preventing the production of contribute to its success. Cheatgrass that is dominated by of similar cheatgrass seeds in years when spring is a winter annual, meaning it usually growth form (i.e. grasses), and the risk of crops are grown and during fallow germinates and emerges in the fall and damage to non-target vegetation is high. periods can reduce its abundance grows rapidly until cold temperatures in subsequent winter wheat crops. arrive. Seedlings resume growth in the In range systems cheatgrass should Other approaches include changing spring, flowering and producing seed be managed using a combination of and enhancing crop faster than most neighboring plant prevention, , grazing, mowing, competitiveness by increasing seeding species and outcompeting them for soil and revegetation. Cheatgrass growth rate and decreasing row spacing. More moisture and nutrients. Other traits often begins earlier in spring than other information can be found in the MSU that contribute to cheatgrass’ success vegetation, so targeting for control Extension MontGuide Cheatgrass: are high seed germination rates, even at in early spring is ideal. For example, Identification, biology and integrated relatively low temperatures, and rapid grazing or applying glyphosate before management (MT200811AG; http:// growth rates. These traits put competing other vegetation is actively growing msuextension.org/publications/ seedlings at a disadvantage, making can be effective. Because cheatgrass AgandNaturalResources/ restoration of cheatgrass-infested range/ often forms extensive stands that can MT200811AG.pdf). wildland or control of cheatgrass in be nearly monospecific, revegetation winter wheat especially difficult. in combination with chemical control

J. Petry 10-26-08 4 Pesticide Disposal Program By Beth Eiring, Agricultural Specialist, Montana Department of Agriculture

Pesticides Collected in 2008 fees. During its fifteen year history, the Participation in the program is open and Pesticide Disposal Program has collected available to everyone in Montana. The 2008 Pesticide Disposal Program 320,684 pounds of waste pesticides. disposed of 31,018 pounds of old, The registration form can be found on unwanted and unusable pesticides from 2009 Program the Web site listed above and must be 72 businesses and individuals in the mailed no later than August 28, 2009 to: Kalispell, Missoula, Butte and Bozeman In September 2009, the program will areas. A chemical manufacturer in Butte hold collections in Chester on Sept.15, Montana Department of Agriculture contributed the largest quantity totaling Great Falls on Sept. 16, Lewistown Pesticide Disposal Program 7019 pounds. on Sept. 17, and Big Timber on Sept. P.O. Box 200201 18. While exact locations are not yet Helena, MT 59620-0201 Most pesticide products that were known, updates will be posted on the collected have not been registered in department disposal Web page at http:// The disposal fee is FREE for the first many years including mercury seed www.agr.mt.gov/pestfert/disposal.asp. 200 pounds and $0.50/lb for amounts treat, , , and DDT. Several in excess of 200 pounds. The program individuals brought in decades old Participants must pre-register their will also collect and dispose of most products for disposal, some with no idea unusable pesticide with the Montana metal pesticide containers. Empty plastic what they had. Most of these products Department of Agriculture so the pesticide containers, fertilizers, waste were found when cleaning out family collection can be managed safely and oil, paints and any other non-pesticide property or discovered after purchasing a efficiently. Participants will be asked material will not be accepted. new property. to bring their unusable pesticides to specific drop off points where they For more information, contact Beth The 15-year-old program is supported will be collected and disposed of in Eiring, Montana Department of through collection charges and license an environmentally-friendly manner. Agriculture, (406) 444-5400.

Cooperative Agricultural Pest Surveys in Montana by Ian A. Foley, Entomologist, Montana Department of Agriculture

Montana has participated in the they become well established in Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey Montana. These surveys target the program or CAPS program since the following pests; exotic moths, emerald early 1990s. These surveys have targeted ash borer, Japanese beetle, potato cyst all types of pests including insects, , small grains pests, and nematodes, plant diseases, and weeds. exotic biological control agents. In Any invasive pest threat to Montana addition to the detection surveys, agricultural or environmental resources several surveys are planned to facilitate can be targeted by a CAPS survey. The the exportation of Montana agricultural four primary goals of the CAPS program products to other states and countries, are the early detection of exotic pests, including surveys for exotic nematodes, the maintenance of pest information, the Karnal bunt (a fungal disease of wheat), support of U.S. export commodities, and and cereal leaf beetle. the enhancement of the CAPS network and communications. On the ground, New for 2009 is the small grains these goals are accomplished through CAPS survey. This survey targets 14 cooperation between MSU Extension different pests, including eight insects, and various state and federal agencies. two mollusks, three nematodes, and a disease. This survey is what is called Planned for 2009 are several surveys a commodity-based survey. Rather Emerald Ash Borer trap. Photo by I. Foley, Montana Dept. of Ag. designed to detect exotic pests before than targeting one specific pest, these 5 For Bee’s Sake, Read the Label Before Spraying for Mountain Pine Beetles by Toby Day, MSU Extension Agent, Silver Bow County

All pesticides sold in the U.S. are required apply more frequently or in higher doses adjust times of applications to the early to have an EPA registration number, and or concentration than is permitted by morning or late evening when the bees pesticide containers are required to tcarry label directions. aren’t foraging. a pesticide label. Pesticide labeling is the main means of communication between In the fight against the mountain pine Pesticide educators consistently remind a pesticide manufacturer and pesticide beetle, many of the products applicators “the label is the law.” If users. The pesticide label gives you that are used to protect pine trees have pesticides are sprayed “off-label,” and instructions on how to use the product cautionary statements that may read “this there is proof of an environmental safely and correctly. product is highly toxic to bees exposed to hazard caused by off-label spraying, the direct treatment or residues on blooming applicator is usually found negligent. Pesticide users are required by law to crops or weeds.” The cautionary comply with all the instructions and statements may go on to say something For questions about pesticide labels, directions for use in pesticide labeling. like, “For maximum hazard contact your Cooperative Agriculture It is illegal to use a pesticide in any way reduction, apply late evening to early Extension Service or the Montana not permitted by the labeling. You may morning or when bees are not foraging.” Department of Agriculture. not use a pesticide off-site, use improper Toby Day is the Butte-Silver Bow equipment settings, use the improper Areas in which pine trees are sprayed in Montana often have concentrated Extension Agent specializing in rate or spray without the proper safety horticulture and 4-H. He can be reached gear required by the pesticide label. infestations of knapweed or other flowering plants at their bases during at the Butte-Silver Bow Extension office In addition, a pesticide may be used only the growing season. When spraying for at 305 W. Mercury #302 in Butte, (406) on the plants, animals, or sites named mountain pine beetle, make sure that 723-0217, or [email protected]. in the directions for use. Users may not there are no bees present. If there are,

surveys target many potential pests are the greatest risk. In 2009, Montana None of Montana’s CAPS surveys of a particularly commodity that is is participating in a handful of nation- would be possible without the important to Montana, in this case wide surveys, including one for emerald dedicated service of student interns wheat. The small grains CAPS survey ash borer. The emerald ash borer (EAB) that are hired annually by the program. requires multiple field visits and is an exotic wood-boring beetle that For more information about becoming sampling methods for the upcoming attacks ash trees. One look around a pest survey intern or the CAPS season. If you have small grain acreages Montana and it is easy to see that an program in general, please visit the and are interested in participating insect that kills ash trees would be Department of Agriculture Web site in this survey, please contact the devastating to our urban tree resources. (http://agr.mt.gov/weedpest/caps/ Department of Agriculture at the This insect is established in several areas capsIndex.aspcontact) or contact Ian phone number below. of the Eastern US and can be moved Foley (406-444-9454, [email protected]). easily in firewood. More information Another aspect of the CAPS program about the emerald ash borer can be is an area or nation-wide survey. These found on the Web (http://www. surveys allow multiple states to purchase emeraldashborer.info/index.cfm). the same traps and lures, standardize the survey methodology, eliminate The New Zealand Wheat Bug, one geographic gaps in the National of the targets of the 2009 small grains Agricultural Pest Survey Database CAPS survey in Montana. Image N. (NAPIS, http://pest.ceris.purdue.edu/ Wright, Florida Dept. of Ag. and index.php), and target those pests that Conservation Service, Bugwood.org 6 Pesticide News & Programs of Montana Interest

Resale of Verbenone Illegal without Special Registrations on Tribal a Valid Pesticide Dealers License. Land. Published March 27, 2009. Published March 13, 2009. http:// http://www.pesticides.montana.edu/ www.pesticides.montana.edu/News/ News/Miscellaneous/agalerttriballands2. Miscellaneous/agalertverbenone. pdf. State special registrations including pdf. General use pesticides, including the Section 18 and 24c previously were verbenone, that have use directions approved throughout the state but did outside of the home, yard, , and/or not apply within tribal boundaries. A garden area cannot be distributed, sold ‘Special Registration Use within Indian or even given away for free, without Country’ pilot program was initiated on a valid pesticide dealer’s license. See November 28, 2008 between the EPA this MSU Pesticide News story for and tribal agencies across the United more information regarding the illegal States. This includes all tribes within distribution of verbenone. Montana. See the MSU Pesticide News story for more information. Are we Ready for a 2,4-D Ban. Published January 12, 2009. http:// Additional Permitting for Pesticide www.pesticides.montana.edu/News/ Applications on or near Water Miscellaneous/agalert2,4-D.pdf. EPA Likely in Future. Published April is considering petitions by the Natural 21, 2009. http://www.pesticides. Resource Defense Council to ban montana.edu/News/Miscellaneous/ registrations of 2,4-D. The implications agalertaquaticpesticidepermits.pdf. EPA’s of such an action are widespread and 2006 Final Rule on Aquatic Pesticides may hit closer to home than we think. has been revoked. We could expect 2,4-D is one of the most widely used additional permitting needed for many agricultural herbicides worldwide and pesticide applications near, over, or on is the most common ingredient in water in the near future. EPA has filed home and garden pesticides. This MSU a motion of stay which may delay this Pesticide News story gives an objective for up to 2 years depending on the 6th analysis of 2,4-D and the pro’s and con’s Circuit Court’s decision. See this MSU of losing registrations of 2,4-D. Pesticide News article for more details.

Beaverhead, Madison, Gallatin, Park, Granite County. June 3. Granite Meagher, Broadwater, Jefferson, County Noxious Weed Clinic. (6 Silverbow, Powell, and Granite private applicator credits). This program Counties. October 5 – 9. 2009 Pest includes sessions on water quality Management Tour (6 private applicator and environmental fate, equipment credits). The region 2 (southwest advances, competitive seeding, grazing Montana) recertification cycle ends management for controlling weeds, January 1, 2010. This may be the last and calibration. Contact the Granite chance for private applicators to obtain county Extension office for more details 6 credits in region 2. Experts from regarding (Dan Lucas; acxdl@montana. across Montana will speak about various edu, 406-859-3304). pesticide education topics. Contact your local Extension office in region 2 or the MSU PEP for more details. 7 Comments and/or Questions from the Public By Cecil I. Tharp (Pesticide Education Specialist, MSU)

QUESTION. Three Forks, Mont. I have QUESTION. Missoula, Mont. Do I from start to finish. At times, pesticide heard we may have in our wells need to calibrate my boom or backpack educators will split a program into within the Madison valley. Can I drink sprayer if it worked fine when I put it in a morning and afternoon session the water? the garage last fall? (separate credits for each). In that case you could attend either morning or ANSWER. You may find many ANSWER. YES! Your sprayer should afternoon sessions. Check with your contaminants in your ground water, be calibrated at least every spring prior local Extension office or the MSU PEP but that does not indicate that it is at to your first application. Winter storage for more information on your program dangerous levels. Technology has made may cause nozzle or line damage from of interest. To view all private applicator huge leaps with sensory equipment that small amounts of water freezing in program opportunities see the MSU can detect much lower levels that may your sprayer. Your entire sprayer should PEP Web site at http://www.pesticides. not be a problem. Low levels of arsenic be checked for leaks or damage in the montana.edu/PAT/index.html by which are below EPA thresholds should spring prior to a complete calibration. simply selecting your region of interest not pose any health problems to you This would include checking each from the map. or your family. Test your groundwater nozzles flow rate prior to assessing the at a local water analysis service. They total output (Gallons Per Acre) of your will discuss your water evaluation sprayer. With this information you compared to EPA thresholds. If it is over should replace any worn or damaged the EPA threshold, it may be possible parts. to purchase a reverse osmosis system or other filtration device, which could QUESTION. Glasgow, Mont. I lower the arsenic in your drinking water. attended a program that was offering 6 EPA thresholds on arsenic are expected recertification credits. I attended half the to drop in the near future according program but had to leave at noon. Can I to reports. This could mean many get half the credit for my attendance at homeowners who previously did not this program? need filtration systems may need to add ANSWER. No. You will need to attend a system in the future (www.pesticides. the entire session to receive credits for montana.edu/News/Miscellaneous/ a program. It is all or nothing. Only arsenic values changing.pdf). attend programs you can participate in

Do you have comments or questions regarding pesticides? If you do, send to either: Cecil Tharp Janet Kirkland Pesticide Education Specialist Certification & Training Officer P.O. Box 172900 Montana Department of Agriculture Montana State University Agricultural Sciences Division Bozeman, MT 59717-2900 PO Box 200201 Phone: (406) 994-5067 Helena, MT 59620-0201 Fax: (406) 994-5589 Phone: (406)-444-5400 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.pesticides.montana.edu Web: http://agr.mt.gov/

Plate Stamp Here MSU Pesticide Education Program P.O. Box 172900 Montana State University Bozeman, MT 59717-2900 Email:______Phone:______County of Residence:______Address:______Name:______Information Personal MSU PESTICIDE SAFETY & EDUCATION PROGRAM TOTAL COST MontGuide: Chemicals and Animal Safety MontGuide: Assessing Pesticide Safety Mo If youwishtohavetheMontanaPesticide Bulletinemailedtoyouforfreecontactthe PESTICIDE SAFETY & EDUCATION REFERENCE MATERIALS REFERENCE EDUCATION & SAFETY PESTICIDE

Training Packet TIPS for Fighting Weeds on Small Acreages in Mo Montana Pesticide Bulletin USDA Recordkeeping ManualMSU forPesticide Private Recordkeeping App EPA HowBooklet to Comply with theEPA How toWPS Comply (Book) with the WPS (CD) Montana Private Pesticide Certification Handbook Complete PSEP ntGuide: The Montana Private Applicator Program ______INITIAL PRIVATE APPLICATOR CERTIFICATION Reference Materials Mont

Montana Private Pesticide Certification Handbook MSU PSEPoffice:[email protected]

USDA Recordkeeping Manual for Private App Guide: The Montana Private Applicator Program TRAINING & REFERENCE MATERIALS EPA How to Comply with the WPS (Book) EPA How to Compl MSU Pesticide Recordkeeping Booklet MSU Pesticide Education Program with cash or check payment to:

Bozeman, MT 59717 (STUDY MATERIALS) Montana State University Please send this form

Total Cost = $1 = Cost Total PO Box 172900

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