Back in June a decision was made by the APVMA (Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority) to take 23 products containing the insecticide Chlorpyrifos off the domestic market which will mean some changes when it comes to pest control chemicals.

 changes to chemicals used in pest control in australia

What is Chlorpyrifos

‘Chlorpyrifos is a broad spectrum, non-systemic organophosphate insecticide. It acts by inhibiting the action of cholinesterase, an enzyme that moderates nerve impulses as part of the parasympathetic nervous system. Chlorpyrifos has some domestic uses for the control of common garden pests.Chlorpyrifos home garden and domestic pest control products were places under reconsideration because of concerns of toxicology, occupational health and safety (OHS), residues, trade, environment, efficacy, and crop safety.’

Basically it is a pest control insecticide that is found in products that are often used in and around the home, gardens, agriculture and public spaces. It has been on the APVMA’s watch list for a number of years and after a comprehensive review, the decision to remove all uses of chlorpyrifos in domestic and home settings as well as some public places has been based on credible scientific evidence of the risk it poses to human health and the environment.

What is Chlorpyrifos used for

In the past chlorpyrifos has been an effective chemical in controlling a wide variety of pest, including cutworms, mosquitos,corn rootworms, cockroaches, grubs, flea beetles, flies, termites, fire ants and lice. It is used agriculturally as well as on lawns and ornamental plants. While still able to be used in agricultural settings under permit and in accordance to label instructions the domestic users will need to find alternative control methods and products.

What products can be used for pest control?

Until new products become available you can potentialy find alternative solutions to pwear control through the APVMA website. They have provided a search tool that can be filtered by pest, host and product type. Otherwise you can always talk to our trained staff at Plants Whitsunday about alternative options for pest control.

Visit: portal.apvma.gov.au/pubcris

What products are not longer available?

The products which are no longer available include;

  • Heiniger Banant Granules
  • David Grays Antex Granules
  • Brunnings Lawn Grub Destroyer
  • Heiniger Lawn Beetle Blitz Insecticide
  • Munns Lawn Grubs, Lawn Beetle Grubs & Slater Killer With Long Life Organically Advanced Weta-Lawn
  • David Grays Antex 50 Granular Professional Insecticide
  • Searles Ant Kill 50 Granules
  • Searles Lawn Grub Killer Granules
  • Superway Grub, Ant And Pest Controller
  • Richgro Home Garden Ant Killer
  • Amgrow Patrol Lawn Grub & Beetle Killer Granules
  • David Grays Lawn Beetle & Grub Killer Insecticides
  • Surefire Lawn Grub, Ant and Outdoor Pest Insecticides
  • Richgro Ant Killer
  • Richgro Slater Killer
  • Richgro Lawn Beetle Killer
  • Grass Gard Lawn Beetle & Grub Spray
  • Seales Lawn Grub Killer Hose On
  • Amgrow Sir Walter Buffalo Lawn Pest Control
  • Amgrow Patrol Fix Ant
  • Searles Ant Kill 50
  • Searles Lawn Grub Killer
  • Delfos 5G Insecticide

When disposing of chemicals and containers always follow the label instructions or contact ChemClear on 1800 008 182 for disposal advice.

For more information on common pests and problems checkout our blogs!