We surveyed over 900 retail stores in Illinois to help understand how pest management recommendations are made, identify current sources of information, and assess educational needs. Significant differences in the level of employee training, resource materials used, and customer referrals were noted among lawn and garden stores, home improvement centers, hardware stores, and general merchandise stores.

While 72% of lawn and garden centers assigned specific employees to make pesticide recommendations, only 39% of hardware stores identified an employee that makes recommendations. Differences between store types were even more pronounced when asked where they refer customers if a question cannot be answered in the store. Over 80% of lawn and garden centers referred customer questions to Extension or Master Gardeners, while less than 20% of general merchandise stores made similar referrals.

As retail store employees become more knowledgeable about integrated pest management, this should improve their ability to make recommendations and ultimately reduce risk to consumers and the environment.

The research was recently published; follow the link below to read the abstract. For more information, please contact George Czapar, gfc@uiuc.edu, (217) 782-6515

Czapar, G. F. M. P. Curry, and R. A. Cloyd. 2007. Educational needs and customer service practices of retail stores that sell pesticides in Illinois. HortTechnology January-March 17(1):115-119.