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Beauveria bassiana strain 447 (128815) Fact Sheet

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Issued: September 2002

On This Page

  1. Description of the Active Ingredient
  2. Use Sites, Target Pests, And Application Methods
  3. Assessing Risks to Human Health
  4. Assessing Risks to the Environment
  5. Regulatory Information
  6. Registrant Information
  7. Additional Contact Information

Summary

Beauveria bassiana strain 447 is a naturally occurring fungus that is approved for indoor use as an insecticide in bait stations to control individual fire ants and other ants (but not colonies). The fungal spores infect the ants, which soon die. The fungus is not toxic or infective to mammals, and exposure to the public and the environment will be minimal to non-existent. Therefore, no adverse effects are expected on children, adults, pets, or the environment when the bait stations are used as directed.

  1. Description of the Active Ingredient

    2. Beauveria bassiana strain 447 belongs to a group of fungi that are found throughout the world. The infection begins when a fungal spore starts growing on the outer skeleton of a host insect, and the infected insect soon dies.

  2. Use Sites, Target Pests, And Application Methods

  3. Assessing Risks to Human Health

    4. Whether or not a substance poses a risk to humans or other organisms depends on two factors: how toxic the substance is, and how much of it an organism is exposed to. Therefore, the EPA considers toxicity data and exposure data in determining whether to approve a pesticide for use. No adverse human health effects are expected from use of Beauveria bassiana strain 447 in bait stations. The bait stations are designed to prevent adults, children, or pets from being exposed to the fungus. In addition, laboratory studies show that the active ingredient is not toxic or infective to laboratory animals when eaten or inhaled. The fungus grows only at temperatures lower than human body temperature, so no infection is expected.

  4. Assessing Risks to the Environment

    5. No harmful environmental effects are expected because the bait stations are approved only for use indoors. Because the active ingredient is firmly attached to the inside of the bait station, no outdoor exposure is expected. EPA will require additional studies if the bait stations are proposed for outdoor or other additional uses.

  5. Regulatory Information

    6. Year Beauveria bassiana strain 447 was registered (licensed for use): September 2002

    Number of registered end products ( September 2002): One product (BAITS MOTEL Stay Awhile - Rest Forever™ )

  6. Products Directed Against Public Health Pests

    7. EPA defines a public health pest as any organism that can cause or transmit human disease, or can cause human discomfort or injury. Fire ants are categorized as a public health pest. To help protect the public’s health, EPA requires registrants of products used against public health pests to demonstrate that the product meets specific standards for effectiveness as well as for safety. The product containing Beauveria bassiana strain 447 for use against fire ants and other ants has met the required standards for effectiveness.

  7. Registrant Information

    8. GlycoGenesys, Inc.
    31 St. James Avenue, 8th floor
    Boston, MA 02116

     

  8. Additional Contact Information

    9. Ombudsman, Biopesticides and Pollution Prevention Division (7511P)
    Office of Pesticide Programs
    Environmental Protection Agency
    1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
    Washington, D.C. 20460

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