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Generally, a pesticide is any substance or mixture that is used to control or repel a pest. All pesticides must be registered by the EPA before they are sold in the United States, except "minimum risk pesticides."

Minimum risk pesticides:

• ...may only contain the active ingredients on this list.
• ...may only contain other ingredients on this list.
• ...must identify all ingredients on the product label.
• ...cannot make misleading label claims.
• ...cannot claim to control pests that impact anyone's health.

Some 'minimum-risk' active ingredients:
cedar oil, citronella, corn gluten meal, dried blood, garlic oil, lemongrass oil, mint oil, egg solids, salt, soybean oil, thyme, zinc metal strips

Many states require minimum-risk pesticides to be registered. Before distributing minimum-risk pesticides in a state, check the requirements by contacting the pesticide regulatory agency.

• No matter how natural, all pesticides should be used with care.
• Always follow the label instructions, and take steps to minimize exposure to people, animals, and the environment.
• Plant oils can be harmful to the eyes, and people may be allergic to them.
• Your risk depends on the toxicity of the substance, and the amount of exposure.

If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 1-800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.

Additional Resources:

• Minimum Risk Pesticides - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Conditions for Minimum Risk Pesticides - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Minimum Risk Frequently Asked Questions - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Inert Ingredients Approved for Use in Minimum Risk Pesticide Products - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Active Ingredients Eligible for Minimum Risk Pesticide Use - New York State Integrated Pest Management