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Show USU expert gives advice on pesticides Farmers, gardeners and others are urged to'use pesticides wisely. Information Informa-tion distributed through county extension exten-sion offices is designed to help. Reed S. Roberts, extension entomologist, Utah State University, says companies that advertise and sell the pesticide products pro-ducts and pest control operators also have responsibility to help properly inform in-form consumers who buy their products or services. Roberts feels some companies are acting ac-ting amiss though not necessarily illegallywhen il-legallywhen they use misleading advertising or inadequate labeling. He says some companies in Utah have been advertising pesticides to control insect pests that are not present in Utah. Gypsy moth, chinch bug, Japanese beetle, corn borer and imported im-ported fire ant are examples. Some labeling, he laments, seems intended in-tended to keep people uninformed. A popular brand aerosol spray that lists the unfamiliar complex chemical names under active ingredients is an example. It does not tell the consumer that the pesticide might be one of the common household chemicals such as malathion, diasinon or Resmethrin. Roberts calls it poor taste that a few pesticide operators in the state advertise adver-tise to control pest problems that exist in other parts of the country but not in Utah. He says there are plenty of pest problems to cope with in Utah without diverting people's attention and expenditures expen-ditures to pest controls that are not appropriate. ap-propriate. Since the laws do not protect consumers con-sumers from inadequate labeling or misleading advertising, Roberts says consumers themselves should be informed in-formed that such practices exist. They must exert more effort to obtain information infor-mation that fits their situation. Fortunately For-tunately the large majority of pesticide labeling is pertinent and useful. The extension specialist emphasizes that the whole family of pesticides insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, animal repellants, disinfectants are effective - and useful products when used properly. proper-ly. They help plants grow, eliminate unwanted un-wanted insect and animal pests, disinfect and sanitize the home. Check the manufacturer's recommendations recom-mendations for rate of application, storage requirements, and methods necessary to dispose of the product as well as its container. All of this information infor-mation will help the user buy enough of , the product, but not too much. Roberts said. i . ! i i . " |