Poison Labels – What Do They Mean?

Pesticides are grouped according to the toxicity hazard group to which they belong, and each has different colour-coded poison labels. This has been adapted from the World Health Organisation (WHO) classification of agricultural remedies. The herbicides used in South Africa fall into three of these groups, depending on their potential to harm the user and the environment.

Green Poison Labels can safely be used in the home, schools, hospitals etc and are generally less toxic than salt.

Most pesticides found in supermarkets indiscriminately affect various other non-target animals like Birds, Geckos, Lizards, Praying Mantis, Bees, fish etc. This then has a knock-on effect, called secondary poisoning, affecting animals further up the food chain such as Caracals, Cape Clawless Otter, Cape Eagle Owl, Large Spotted Genet, Honey Badger, Water Mongoose, etc. Click here to read more about wildlife under threat.

What Pesticides Does Dead Easy Use?

We are constantly on the lookout for safer, low environmental impact pest solutions and make use of Green Label pesticides wherever possible.

One of our favourite pesticides is Natural Pyrethrin (Chrysanthemum Daisy Oil) and Orange Peel Oil because it does not leave a toxic residue in spite of the fact that it kills target insects in seconds, leaving behind a lovely lingering citrus fragrance that repels pests.

An aerosol spray containing these natural ingredients is given BLUE LABEL status. It is not given Green Label status purely because of the synthetic solvent and propellant. Once sprayed the solvent quickly vaporises and there is no toxic residue left behind.

Insect-specific baits are often used because it only kills the targeted pest and not beneficial insects. Most of our insect baits have Green Label status.

When long-term insecticidal protection is needed to protect structures and paved areas, we make use of Blue or Yellow Label pesticides but these products are scrutinized before we decide on the product that has the least impact on non-targeted insects, reptiles and underground water.

Our products are safe for children, pets and allergic people.

It is important to remember that all pesticides are toxic and have the potential to cause damage. Store away from children, food or animals and always keep locked away.