Newsroom

CORVALLIS, Ore. -- The National Pesticide Information Center at Oregon State University has launched a comprehensive new website (http://npic.orst.edu/) that includes 125 original pages on pesticides and integrated pest management.

The center also has begun a Spanish website that mirrors that content, which can be found at http://npic.orst.edu/index.es.html

"The site is a clearinghouse for objective, science-based information related to pesticides and pest management," said Kaci Buhl, project coordinator for the center. Last year, it received more than 25,000 questions from all 50 states and several countries. They can answer questions in more than 170 languages.

The new site introduces new information on:

• Steps to reduce pesticide risk, safe use practices and low-risk pesticides;
• Integrated Pest Management at home, in the garden and in the lawn;
• Protecting wildlife, air, soil and water from pesticide exposure.

In addition, there are more than 200 pages with pest-specific strategies, podcasts and fact sheets.

"Whether you're a parent, homeowner, physician or pesticide applicator, you can get objective information about pesticides used for controlling everything from bed bugs to weeds on our website," said Bryan Harper, who coordinated the development of the sites.

Questions to the center reflect many concerns, Buhl said, some involving life-threatening scenarios.

The new website complements the center's toll-free telephone service, at 1-800-858-7378, Monday - Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.