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SARATOGA SPRINGS---A potentially dangerous pesticide misting device known as BuzzOff Mosquito has been removed from the market in New York.
The state alleged that BuzzOff Mosquito, LLC, a Louisiana-based company and its authorized dealer in Saratoga Springs, BuzzOff Mosquito Control of Eastern New York, unlawfully marketed a pesticide and an accompanying misting system as "safe" and "non-toxic."
Under the agreement, both companies will stop marketing the pesticide and the misting system in New York and will offer full refunds to consumers who purchased the products from them. The companies have also agreed to a $25,000 penalty.
BuzzOff misting systems are designed to automatically spray a pesticide solution at timed intervals from a series of nozzles connected by nylon tubing to a reservoir and pump. The misters are typically installed along the eaves of a house, perimeter fencing, and around landscaped areas.
The pesticide used in the BuzzOff system is Hydro-Py 300, a pyrethrin-based pesticide. Among the less toxic insecticides available on the market today, it must still be registered with state and federal authorities.
Automatic pesticide misting systems can be dangerous to public health and the environment because they can spray pesticides directly onto nearby people and animals. In addition, the mist can coat the surfaces of outdoor furniture and children's toys.
In 2004 and 2005, the companies sold and installed about a dozen misting systems in New York, primarily in Saratoga County. BuzzOff New York charged its customers from $2,000 to $20,000 for such systems.
In March 2006, the manufacturer of the pesticide sold by BuzzOff Mosquito changed its product label to specifically prohibit the use of the pesticide in automatic misting systems in New York. Despite the change, BuzzOff Mosquito continued to market the pesticide and automatic misting system in New York.
New York law prohibits businesses from making false or misleading claims, such as advertising claims describing the pesticides they sell as being "safe." In addition, it is against both state and federal law to use a pesticide in violation of its label directions. Although homeowners can currently purchase similar misting systems from other companies, consumers should know that there is currently no pesticide registered in New York that can lawfully be used in such systems.
The Attorney General's Office will also inform the federal Environmental Protection Agency of this settlement and urge the federal government to consider prohibiting the use of pesticides in residential automatic misting devices. 11-09-06
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© 2006 North
Country Gazette
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