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Metarhizium anisopliae strain ESF1 (129056) Fact Sheet
Related Information
Information related to this page:Issued: 9/01
On This Page
- Description of the Active Ingredient
- Use Sites, Target Pests, And Application Methods
- Assessing Risks to Human Health
- Assessing Risks to the Environment
- Regulatory Information
- Producer Information
- Additional Contact Information
Summary
Metarhizium anisopliae strain ESF1 is a fungus used in controlling termites in wooden structures. No adverse effects on humans, pets or the environment are expected when the products are used according to label directions.
- Description of the Active Ingredient
- Use Sites, Target Pests, And Application Methods
- Use Sites: Residential, institutional, and commercial buildings, including schools, greenhouses, and places where food is handled. Outdoor uses include wooden utility poles, fencing, and related outdoor structures.
- Target pests: Termites
- Application Methods: 1) Spray directly on foraging termites, who bring the fungus back to the nest and infect nestmates; 2) Inject into infested wood through drilled holes.
- Assessing Risks to Human Health
- Assessing Risks to the Environment
- Regulatory Information
- Producer Information
- Additional Contact Information
Metarhizium anisopliae strain ESF1 was initially isolated from an infected insect pest that lives in soil. Metarhizium anisopliae is common in the environment, and infects many kinds of insects.
Based on required toxicity tests, no risks to humans are expected from use of products containing Metarhizium anisopliae strain ESF1. The fungus does not cause adverse effects in mammals, and cannot grow at mammalian body temperatures. As a precaution, people who apply the termiticide are required to wear eye goggles and a dust mask.
Risks to the environment are not expected because the pesticide products are used largely indoors, and in only limited areas outdoors. Also, the microbe occurs naturally. The product label tells users not to contaminate water when cleaning the application equipment or disposing of unused product.
Products containing Metarhizium anisopliae strain ESF1 were initially registered (licensed for sale) in 1993 for use against flies, cockroaches, or termites. As of December 2000, the single registered product with this active ingredient was registered for use against termites.
Note: EPA regulations require that registrants show efficacy, as well as safety, of pesticide products that control termites and certain other pests. The registered termiticide product, as well as the earlier products, have met the EPA requirements for efficacy.
EcoScience Corporation
10 Alvin Court
East Brunswick, NJ 08816
Ombudsman, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511P)
Office of Pesticide Programs
Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20460