Reduced-Risk Pesticides
Low-toxicity pesticide products that pose minimal risk to humans, pets, and the environment while remaining effective against target pests.
Detailed Overview
Reduced-risk pesticides include products like boric acid, diatomaceous earth, silica gel dusts, and gel baits that have low mammalian toxicity but are highly effective against insects. These products work through physical or physiological mechanisms that pests cannot develop resistance to easily. Boric acid and diatomaceous earth, for example, damage insect exoskeletons causing dehydration. Gel baits use attractants to draw pests to small amounts of active ingredient. When pesticides must be used in IPM, reduced-risk products are always preferred over conventional broad-spectrum insecticides. They should be applied precisely to cracks, crevices, and harborage areas where pests live.
When to Use
Use when non-chemical methods alone are insufficient to control pest populations. Apply only to areas with confirmed pest activity. Always use the minimum effective amount and apply in the safest manner.
Required Skill Level
Should only be performed by licensed pest management professionals
Benefits
- Lower toxicity to humans and pets
- Effective against target pests
- Many have low environmental impact
- Some provide long-lasting residual control
- Lower resistance development risk
Limitations
- May work more slowly than conventional pesticides
- Still require proper application and safety precautions
- Must be kept away from food and water
- Some have limitations on where they can be applied
Related Concepts
Other product types that may be useful
Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)
Pesticides that disrupt insect development and reproduction by mimicking or blocking growth hormones - providing long-term population suppression.
Non-Repellent vs Repellent Chemistry
Understanding the difference between insecticides pests cannot detect (non-repellent) versus those they avoid (repellent) - critical for colony elimination.
Desiccant Dusts
Insecticidal dusts that kill by physically abrading the waxy cuticle causing dehydration - cannot be resisted and provide permanent control if kept dry.