Charles Benbrook’s recent article (March 2026) is much appreciated. He has long and well advocated for more sensible ag pest control materials and methods. He needs to focus public attention beyond USDA and into EPA’s pesticide division. That’s the regulatory area that works all things about pests — an empire that begins with oversight on all natural bacteria and other micro-organisms. An empire whose legal severity is so widespread that even organic certifying organizations exist in fear of angering it. An empire wherein the phrase, “Manure odors attract flies” is forbidden. This is the mentality that works against reformers like Benbrook.

That phrase was common among livestock farmers in the Lancaster area during the 1940-50s, reached by ads from the heralded company selling natural amendments, Zook & Rank. It sold the Calphos brand of soft rock phosphate from Florida to prevent the production of manure odors, some of which attract flies. Greatly decreased manure odors at livestock shelter areas meant fresh air which equals … no fly problem. Prevention of attractants is the most rational, efficient basis of sensible pest control. 

Now, several companies sell non-toxic manure odor preventing products, yet they may not say, “manure odors attract flies.” EPA pesticide reformers have a lot of work ahead dealing with officials’ continued refusal to greenlight sensible protection from a common pest. Thereby, the agency enables risky use of toxic controls of barnyard flies. How can this be its proper mission?

James Silverthorne
Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania