LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Column on pesticide notice was misleading

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Editor:

The Bugmans recent column entitled Notification should be posted when dangerous pesticides are applied is very misleading and deserves a response.

Despite the ominous tone of the column, the pest control products used by the New Mexicos professional pest control industry are not dangerous when applied according to label directions, which are approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In fact, the overwhelming majority of products used by New Mexico pest management professionals are readily available to the general public at local grocery and hardware stores. Unlike the average homeowner, however, PMPs are knowledgeable about the pests they are treating for and experts in applying pest control products in a manner that better targets the problem pest and limits the possibility for exposure.

The Bugman also fails to mention that New Mexico pest management professionals must be licensed and examined by the New Mexico Department of Agriculture before using pest control products for hire.

In closing, the proposals the Bugman puts forward in his column are costly, unjustified and unnecessary, and akin to requiring every licensed driver to notify all residents living in a neighborhood posted with a 25 mph limit that they are driving through the neighborhood.

Chuck Simko

President

New Mexico Pest Control Association (Submitted on behalf of NMPMA Board of Directors and the association)

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Column on pesticide notice was misleading