Illegal insect-killing chalk is imported from other countries and sold in small markets all over the United States. "Pretty Baby Chalk", "Chinese Chalk", or "Miraculous Chalk" are names for insecticides that looks like normal chalk, but they are intended to control small insects such as ants and cockroaches in homes. The chalk ingredients are usually unknown.

Samples of illegal chalk tested by the California Departments of Pesticide Regulation showed some of the products contained deltamethrin and others contained cypermethrin. Children are especially prone to poisoning from insecticidal chalk because it looks and writes like normal chalk, and the pesticide dust can be breathed in, get on their hands, or end up in their mouths.

Legally registered insecticidal chalks are available in most states. These products are packaged in plastic dispensers that prevent contact with the skin, have known ingredients with bittering agents that discourage children from eating them, and the labels contain warnings about applying the chalk in areas where children are present. Legal insecticide-chalk will have instructions written in English that include the directions for use and first aid instructions.

Additional Resources:

• Report Environmental Violations (report illegal online sales) - U.S. EPA
• Avoid Illegal Household Pesticide Products - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Insecticidal Chalk - Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email us at npic@oregonstate.edu.