If you are troubled by biting insects, such as bed bugs, and are looking for an inexpensive treatment method this ad may draw you in. Beware - it is a lie; a dangerous lie.

"Miraculous Insecticide Chalk kills roaches, ants and crawling insects. Safe for humans and animals."

Banned by Canada and US

This product is illegal in both Canada and the US; banned by Health Canada and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Although the product looks harmless – resembling regular chalk, available in chalk sticks or powder – it contains deltamethrin, a pesticide that can cause serious health effects when used inappropriately.

This highly-toxic poison can be purchased on-line, usually from websites based in China where it is manufactured. It can be purchased for as little as $1, often in the Chinatown areas of major cities. It is available in Vancouver’s Chinatown and we have encountered this product in residences in the lower mainland. If you have purchased this product or have seen it for sale, consult Health Canada for safe directions for disposal.

Pesticides Have PCP Registration Number

Remember, all legal pesticides clearly state the appropriate Canadian Pest Control Product (PCP) registration number (in the US it is an EPA registration number) on the product label. This shows the product has been reviewed for health and environmental concerns and the label clearly outlines application rates, procedures and specific targets. An insecticide, no matter how ‘miraculous’, without this PCP registration number, is dangerous.

It is buyer beware. If it sounds too good to be true – take a moment and check it out. Do your due diligence. Your health and your family’s health is worth the extra effort.

‘Miraculous insecticide chalk’ is one more reason why bed bug eradication is best left to the professionals and is not a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) project.

If you have purchased this product Health Canada provides directions for safe disposal.