February 6, 2017 - An illegal cockroach powder that has been sold recently at the Merced Spring Flea Market is not safe for humans or animals and should not be used in the home, District Attorney Larry Morse II announced today. The Merced District Attorney’s Office became aware of this potential health hazard after a woman came forward and said that she had purchased the powder at the Flea Market.

The powder was advertised on Face book, in a Spanish magazine, as well as on business cards that were left on doorsteps, with the names “El Mejor Remedio” or “El Mejor Polvo.” The Santa Clara District Attorney’s Office has arrested Julio Pino Reyes for making, advertising and selling the powder.

If you did purchase and use this product keep it in a dry location and away from other materials Morse advised. Sean Runyon from the Merced County Department of Agriculture recommends that if you have already applied the powder inside of your home, to contact your local fire department and they can then evaluate the safety of the home. Seek medical attention if you are suffering any pesticide related symptoms, and do not throw this product away in your trashcan or put it down the sink.

You can bring it to either of these locations at no charge: Highway 59 Landfill at 7040 N. State Highway 59, Merced, CA 95348 Monday-Friday from 7:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. and Saturdays 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. or to the Los Banos Spring Cleanup/Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event on Saturday April 8th only, from 7:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. at the Los Banos Spring Fair Parking Lot. If you have any additional questions, you may contact Jennifer Halpin with the Merced County Regional Waste Management Authority at (209) 723-4481 ext. 24.
Source: Office of Merced County District Attorney