The Environmental Protection Authority is asking locals to discard any pesticide spray products containing dichlorvos they find at home.

Dichlorvos is a widely used pesticide used to control household and garden pests such as aphids, caterpillars, cockroaches, whiteflies, mites, bed bugs, weevils, silverfish and fleas.

An EPA assessment identified the risks to people exposed to dichlorvos in a domestic setting are above safe levels. The authority is also particularly concerned about the impacts on children's health.

Applications and Assessment general manager Sarah Gardner says the EPA's Decision-Making Committee decided a rule change was needed in September of last year.

'The change means that after March 15 retailers may no longer stock or sell products for home use that contain dichlorvos and any existing stocks must be used or disposed of by that date.

'Householders who have products containing dichlorvos should contact their district council to arrange safe disposal of the product.

'These products must not be disposed of in household rubbish or by pouring them down a drain.”

In New Zealand, dichlorvos has been imported as part of two insecticides - BV2 Surface Insecticide aerosol and BV2 Surface Insecticide bulk.

But the EPA recommends checking other insecticides, including pet products, to make sure they do not contain dichlorvos.

Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act, the EPA decides if hazardous substances can be imported and/or manufactured in New Zealand.

If a hazardous substance is approved, the EPA puts controls in place to manage the risks of hazardous substances to safeguard people and the environment.

Tauranga City Council transfer stations will accept small quantities of hazardous waste from households, like garden chemicals, for free by prior arrangement. To organise call 07-577-7000.

While the Western Bay of Plenty Regional Council takes small quantities of hazardous waste at its Katikati, Athenree and Te Puke transfer stations by prior arrangement. To organise call 07-571-8008.