U.S. EPA registers cold pressed neem oil to control bed bugs

Date:05-25-2012


To provide additional tools to control bed bugs, recently EPA issued registrations for two new products. TER-TRU1, containing 5.5% Cold Pressed Neem Oil, is a ready-to-use formulation for spot treatment by residential and commercial users. TER-CX1, containing 22.0% Cold Pressed Neem Oil, is a concentrate formulation for commercial use in the treatment of whole rooms. Cold Pressed Neem Oil has a non-toxic mode of action, is naturally occurring in the environment, and has a long history of safe use for other applications.

Cold Pressed Neem Oil is pressed directly from seeds of the Neem tree, a tropical evergreen tree found in Southeast Asia and Africa. The oil contains various compounds that have insecticidal and medicinal properties. It is also used in making products including shampoos, toothpaste, soaps, and cosmetics. Based on the data submitted to the EPA, these new products meet the required standards for safety and effectiveness. Performance trials conducted at the approved label rates show both products control bed bug adults, nymphs, and eggs.

One of the EPA’s goals is to actively work with industry and researchers to identify new compounds (or new uses of existing compounds) to control bed bugs, and help pest management professionals and the public obtain the latest information and tools for effective bed bug control.  EPA expedited the processing of this registration to meet public health pest needs.

These two products have been added to the EPA’s Bed Bug Product Search Tool, an online resource for searching EPA-registered bed bug products. Along with the EPA’s Bed Bug Information Clearinghouse, the online resources aim to provide information useful in the prevention and control of bed bug infestations.