By Billy Olesen, SPAR
The "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) Commission recently released a report that’s been making headlines, mostly for its sweeping claims about what’s contributing to rising rates of chronic diseases in kids. While much of the focus has been on food, pharmaceuticals, and big-picture public health issues, there’s a section pest control professionals should be aware of, especially those of us working in and around homes, schools, and other indoor environments.
The MAHA Commission, led by US Secretary of Health & Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., raises concerns about a range of environmental chemicals, including pesticides. Glyphosate and atrazine are called out by name, but the report also brings up general exposure to pesticide residues inside homes. One of the more pointed mentions? Pesticides that linger on household floors, especially in areas where kids crawl and play.
While it’s not a full-on attack on structural pest control, it does put a spotlight on our industry, suggesting that indoor exposure, even from properly applied products, might play a role in long-term health outcomes.
Let’s be clear: the report doesn’t propose new laws or bans. But it does echo a growing conversation about chemical exposure in everyday life, and that conversation could steer future policy decisions, funding, and public opinion. For structural and urban pest control professionals, especially here in Washington, this is a reminder that how we work, and how we communicate about our work, matters.
Here are a few practical takeaways:
1. Be ready to talk safety
Customers may ask questions, especially in sensitive accounts like schools, daycares, or homes with young children. This is your chance to explain how our industry follows strict EPA guidelines, uses low-volume and targeted treatments, and often leads with non-chemical solutions as part of IPM.
2. Double down on IPM
The report might not separate structural from ag use, but we should. Highlight your inspection-first approach, exclusion work, sanitation recommendations, and smart use of products as part of an overall strategy, not a spray-first mentality.
3. Review your sensitive-account playbook
If you service places where people are more vulnerable, like hospitals or preschools, it might be time to revisit your protocols. Are you using the least-risk products? Is your communication clear and proactive? Being ahead of the curve here is always a good idea.
4. Keep an eye on what’s coming next
This report isn’t the end. The Commission is expected to release more detailed recommendations later this year. It’s possible we’ll see pushes for new research, label changes, or even policy proposals that affect our work. Being engaged now helps us shape the conversation later.
Agriculture and pest management groups have voiced strong concerns about the report, pointing out that some of the studies it references are outdated or don’t distinguish between hazard and risk. Over 250 organizations have asked for a seat at the table before any policy is made based on these claims.
The truth is, structural pest control is already heavily regulated. We’re trained, licensed, and follow some of the most precise application standards in any trade. We deal in milliliters, not gallons. And we’re often solving real public health problems, like rodents in kitchens or cockroaches in child care centers.
This report may not be talking directly to us, but we’re definitely part of the larger story it’s trying to tell. That’s why it’s so important for us to stay informed and speak up when needed. Whether it’s through WSPMA, national associations, or in our day-to-day interactions with customers, we have a role in keeping the conversation honest, balanced, and grounded in real-world pest management.
If nothing else, it’s a reminder that our work isn’t just about getting rid of pests, it’s about doing it safely, responsibly, and with the long view in mind.