Pesticides are substances used to prevent, destroy, repel or mitigate any pest ranging from insects, animals and weeds, to microorganisms, such as fungi, molds, bacteria, and viruses.

Did you know that pesticides are found in common household products, including: 

• Flea and tick spray, powders, and pet collars
• Insect repellents for personal use
• Kitchen, laundry and bath disinfectants and sanitizers (including bleach)
• Products to kill mold and mildew
• Weed control products

Use this website as a portal to discover information on programs and resources about:

• Pesticide Alternatives
• Integrated Pest Management
• Pesticide Regulations
• Pesticide Use and Safety

Emergency Numbers & Hotlines

Maryland Poison Center: 800.222.1222
Toll-free emergency number operating 24 hours a day. Find prevention and education information as well as general guidelines for health professionals responsible for poisoning management.

CHEMTREC: 800.424.9300
24-hour emergency hotline for questions dealing with chemicals spills, particularly large spills or those that might contaminate water or endanger public health.   On-site response teams will be dispatched if necessary to handle the emergency.   This number may be called by nonprofessionals.

National Animal Poison Control Center: 888.426.4435
24-hour emergency information through the ASPCA, it is the only animal-oriented poison control center in North America and is an allied agency of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine.

Non-emergency Numbers & Hotlines

National Pesticide Pesticide Information Center: 800.858.7378
Toll-free, business-hours only.  Provides non-emergency information on product chemistry, protective equipment, safety, health and/or environmental effects, clean-up, disposal, regulations. For information on pesticides and pesticide exposure, contact NPTN between 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.(Pacific Time).

Chemical Referral Center: 800.262.8200
Toll-free, business-hours only.  Run by Chemical Manufacturers of America, provides non-emergency safety and health information on many chemicals, including pesticides.