Part 1 of 4 : Please sign the petition! Please email the board  hoa@bundyinc.com to let them know you want a safer community that doesn't use toxic, cancer causing chemicals. 

We have an opportunity that can strengthen our community to make Azalea Square healthier, safer, and well cared for. As more residents across the Country are asking questions about what chemicals are being sprayed in common areas and on their property we can position our HOA as a leader in wise, tried and true property stewardship with proven organic methods, which are generally less expensive than conventional pesticides.

Many HOA communities, cities and towns across the Country are moving toward proven and fiscally sound organic and organics-first land management to protect people, pets, pollinators, waterways, and long-term property values, while still maintaining high landscape standards. In the Lowcountry, where we live alongside marsh ecosystems and face frequent rain events, reducing unnecessary chemical inputs can also help minimize runoff risks and support healthier soils that perform better under heat, drought, and storms.

There’s also positive momentum locally. The Town of Hilton Head Island and the Town of Bluffton have already adopted stronger safeguards to protect what matters most with an Organics-First IPM policy in place. We are also working with the City of Beaufort and Beaufort County towards an Organics-First IPM policy. With the Greenery Landscape company servicing The Town of Hilton Head, they are already using and are familiar with what the organic safer products are. So it should be an easy transition for us since we have the same landscaping vendor. 

I’m hopeful our HOA can pursue similar common-sense protections that prioritize prevention, health, safety, transparency, notification of spray days and best practices while keeping maintenance efficient and cost-effective.

What makes the situation even more alarming is that these chemicals are applied in flowable form directly to the grass and properties — where residents, children, and pets (what we know about lawn chemicals and cancer in dogs) make direct contact. Using a chemical cocktail like this purely for aesthetic lawn care is not only unjustifiable — it’s dangerous.

PLEASE let the HOA board and property manager know you'd like vendors in the community to use non-toxic products by signing this petition and emailing hoa@bundyinc.com - they can't just hear it from me. PLEASE reach out!! Your voice and actions matter! The Board must Act ASAP! The HOA Board has a legal and moral responsibility to protect — not poison — our community and pets with our own HOA fees! The facts are out there, failure to act can, and just might be, considered an act of willful neglect otherwise.

Please watch this insightful short video :  Dangers of Pesticides 3 Min Video   -   Non-Toxic Neighborhoods Advisor Dean Baker, MD, MPH

 

Part 2 of 4 : The Greenery’s Current Pesticide List in Azalea Square as of March 2026

For Reference: When an ENVU-affiliated product is used, someone receives $$$ cash back, gift card or some type of monetary reward.

Herbicides:

• Echelon (Turf pre-emergent/early post-emergent)

Hazardous to Humans and Domestic Animals: See label/SDS.

Label:https://bynder.envu.com/m/79b8fbe43ea565db/original/Digital_FMC_Lawn_Echelon-4SC_Label_NA_US_EN.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Actives:

·         Sulfentrazone (13.6%)

·         Prodiamine (27.3%)

Cancer listing:

·         Prodiamine: EPA classifies as Group C (possibly carcinogenic to humans) based on thyroid tumors in rats. NPIC fact sheet: https://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/prodiamine.html

Environmental: persistent in soil (common pre-emergent trait), potential off-site movement via runoff/erosion.

Endocrine / Neurotoxicity flags: Sulfentrazone: developmental/reproductive toxicity concerns are noted in EPA materials. EPA fact sheet: https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/reg_actions/registration/fs_PC-129081_27-Feb-97.pdf

ENVU-affiliated product: Echelon is marketed by Envu and is listed on Envu Environmental Science’s U.S. product page. https://www.us.envu.com/lawn-and-landscape/lawn/products/echelon-4sc-herbicide

• Onmark (Non-selective herbicide)
  Hazardous to Humans and Domestic Animals: Signal word appears as WARNING on label materials. Label: https://labelsds.com/document.php?file=Onmark+Label+8-12-22.pdf&product=6587

Actives:

·         Glufosinate-ammonium (10.0%) - Glufosinate is banned for use in the European Union Reason for Ban: Glufosinate-ammonium was classified as Category 1B for reproductive toxicity(neurotoxin, reproductive toxin, and developmental toxicant) Product listing: https://www.rainbowecoscience.com/products/onmark

·         Ammonium nonanoate / pelargonic acid equivalent (11.08%)
Label: https://labelsds.com/document.php?file=Onmark+Label+8-12-22.pdf&product=6587

·         Imazethapyr-ammonium (3.18%)
Product listing: https://www.rainbowecoscience.com/products/onmark

Neurotoxicity: Glufosinate-ammonium: EPA risk assessment identifies neurotoxicity as a key endpoint of concern in multiple studies.
EPA document: https://downloads.regulations.gov/EPA-HQ-OPP-2018-0207-0006/content.pdf

• Dismiss (Post-emergent turf herbicide)
  Hazardous to Humans and Domestic Animals: See label/SDS.
  Label:https://bynder.envu.com/m/75b50b593765a9a8/original/Digital_FMC_Golf_Dismiss-Turf_Label_NA_US_EN.pdf

Active:

·         Sulfentrazone Label:https://www.trianglecc.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/FMC-Dismiss-Label.pdf

Envu: Dismiss is marketed on Envu’s site.
https://www.us.envu.com/golf-course-management/golf/products/dismiss-turf-herbicide-6-oz

Plant & Tree Insecticides:

• Durentis (Turf insecticide)
  Hazardous to Humans and Domestic Animals Label: https://spsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Durentis-Insecticide-label.pdf
  Active:·  Chlorantraniliprole (47.85%) Label:https://spsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Durentis-Insecticide-label.pdf

ENVU currently produces and markets Durentis, and it is listed as a Durentis™ product on ENVU Environmental Science’s U.S. website.

https://www.us.envu.com/lawn-and-landscape/lawn/products/durentis-16-foz
It is worth noting, however, that Durentis was originally developed/registered under FMC, so FMC may still appear on certain regulatory listings or older reference documents.
Example regulatory listing reference:  https://apps.cdpr.ca.gov/cgi-bin/label/pir.pl?prodno=77704

• Transtect (Insecticide for plants and trees)
  Hazardous to Humans and Domestic Animals: See label.
  Label:  https://sites.rowan.edu/facilities/_docs/transtect-label.pdf

Active:

·         Dinotefuran (70%) Product listing: https://www.rainbowecoscience.com/products/transtect

·         Neonicotinoids - potential neurobehavioral effects in mammals: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7118473/

  “Dinotefuran is toxic to honey bees” and “This product is toxic to bees exposed to residues for more than 38 hours following treatment”, with additional bee hazard directions (do not apply while bees are foraging / to flowering plants).

Fungicides:

• Endow 2SC (Fungicide)
  Hazardous to Humans and Domestic Animals: See label/SDS.
  Label:https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/agrian-cg-fs1-production/pdfs/Endow_2SC_Label1p.pdf

Active: Azoxystrobin: https://www.sipcam.com/us/en/turf/agrochemicals/endow-2sc
Endocrine disruptor: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969718328304

• Trimtect (PGR)
  Hazardous to Humans and Domestic Animals: See label.
  Label: https://www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/074779-00020-20201110.pdf

Active:

Paclobutrazol (8%)
Product listing: https://www.rainbowecoscience.com/products/trimtect-2-5-gallon
Endocrine disruptor: https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2015-33300.pdf

 

Termite Bond as of March 2026

 

Termite - Termidor 80 WG - Label (Termiticide/Insecticide)

Hazardous to Humans and Domestic Animals:  Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing. Harmful if swallowed or absorbed through skin. 
Label: https://www.cdms.net/ldat/ld9P2000.pdf

 

Cancer listing:
· Fipronil (80%): Classified by EPA as Group C (possible human carcinogen) based on thyroid tumors in rats.

Neurotoxicity / Endocrine flags:
· Fipronil acts on the central nervous system by disrupting GABA-regulated chloride channels (neurotoxic mechanism).
· Evidence of thyroid hormone disruption in animal studies.

 

Environmental:
· Highly toxic to aquatic invertebrates and fish.
· Highly toxic to bees and other pollinators (though typically applied as a soil treatment).
· Persistent in soil; can remain for extended periods and form degradates that retain toxicity.

Liquid application for termites is performed every 7 years. 

 

Exterior Pest Control:

 

Talstar P (Insecticide)

Hazardous to Humans and Domestic Animals: Harmful if swallowed. Causes moderate eye irritation. Avoid contact with skin, eyes, or clothing.
Label: https://www.cdms.net/ldat/ld4P3006.pdf

 

Actives: · Bifenthrin (7.9%)

Cancer listing: · Bifenthrin: EPA classifies as possible human carcinogen based on urinary bladder tumors in mice.

Neurotoxicity:
· Pyrethroid insecticide; affects sodium channels in nerve cells → can cause tremors, incoordination, and other neurotoxic effects at sufficient exposure levels.

Environmental:
· Highly toxic to fish and aquatic organisms.
· Highly toxic to bees (direct contact exposure).
· Strongly binds to soil; low mobility but can be transported via sediment runoff.

Endocrine / other concerns:
· Some evidence of endocrine-disrupting potential in laboratory studies.

Regulatory / additional notes:
· Broad-spectrum insecticide used for perimeter pest control (ants, roaches, mosquitoes, etc.).

 

 

Part 3 of 4 : Proposed Addendum to the Landscape and Pest Management contract. Kim Konte, the founder of Non-Toxic Neighborhoods has help hundreds of cities and towns across The United States update their Integrated Pest Management Policy to an organic first policy, which is much healthier and safer than the conventionally used products. She's written the policies in use for The Town of Hilton Head, Town of Bluffton. We are also currently working with The City of Beaufort and Beaufort County.

All of the chemicals The Greenery is currently using are either known to cause cancer, endocrine disruptors and or are hazardous to humans and animals. The facts are out there now. It could be considered negligent if the HOA board and property manager overlook and ignore this and do nothing.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy
For Landscape and Pest Management Contracts
Azalea Square Home Owners Association

1. PURPOSE
The Azalea Square Home Owners Association adopts this Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy to protect the health of its residents, children, families, pets, pollinators, wildlife, soil health, and surrounding waterways. This policy establishes a prevention-based, regenerative, organic-first approach to landscape and pest management that prioritizes non-chemical methods, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.

This policy is intended to be implemented consistently with applicable South Carolina and federal pesticide laws and regulations, including the South Carolina Pesticide Control Act, regulations administered by Clemson University’s Department of Pesticide Regulation, and the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). Azalea Square Home Owners Association voluntarily adopts standards that exceed minimum legal requirements in order to create a healthier, safer and more sustainable community.

 

2. POLICY STATEMENT
The Azalea Square Home Owners Association is committed to maintaining common areas, recreational spaces, landscaped areas, and all Association-managed property through responsible, organic-first, regenerative land care practices.

Routine use of synthetic pesticides, including synthetic herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides, is prohibited on Association-managed properties except as expressly authorized under this policy. The Association shall rely first on prevention, cultural practices, mechanical controls, biological controls, science based, regenerative strategies that address root causes and minimum-risk products to address pest issues and strengthen natural resilience.

Association resources shall be used to support prevention, protection, soil health, safer systems, and long-term sustainability, not routine synthetic pesticide dependence.

 

3. SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY
This policy applies to:

All common areas owned, maintained, or managed by Azalea Square Home Owners Association, including playgrounds, community pool areas, greenbelts, landscaped areas, and other Association-managed property.
All landscape maintenance and pest control contractors hired by Azalea Square Home Owners Association.
Any staff, volunteers, or service providers performing pest-related work on behalf of Azalea Square Home Owners Association.

4. GUIDING PRINCIPLES
Azalea Square Home Owners Association shall manage pests and vegetation in accordance with the following principles:

 

4.1 Prevention First
Prevent pest problems before they start through sound landscape design, soil health, proper plant selection, irrigation management, mowing practices, sanitation, exclusion, and habitat management.

 

4.2 Organic-First
Use organic, regenerative, and minimum-risk methods first whenever action is needed.

 

4.3 Exposure Reduction
Limit any pesticide exposure in areas where children, pets, residents, and the general public gather.

 

4.4 Targeted Use Only

Use EPA-labeled pesticides in a targeted manner, and only if deemed necessary to protect public health or prevent significant economic loss, by a licensed pest control advisor, when pests cannot be managed by other approved methods. If any pest control product is approved under this policy, it must be used in the most targeted, limited, and least-toxic manner possible.

4.5 Protection of People, Pets, Water and Wildlife
Pest management practices shall prioritize protection of people, pets, waterways, pollinators, wildlife, and non-target organisms.

 

5. PROHIBITED PRACTICES AND MATERIALS
The following are prohibited for routine use on Azalea Square Home Owners Association properties:

Synthetic herbicides, including glyphosate and 2,4-D
Synthetic insecticides, including pyrethroids and neonicotinoids
Synthetic fungicides
Synthetic rodenticides, including anticoagulant rodenticides
Pre-emergent and post-emergent synthetic treatments
Soil fumigants and systemic chemical pesticides
Broadcast spraying or fogging of synthetic materials
Any pesticide use inconsistent with label directions or applicable law

5.1 High-Risk Chemical Exclusions
No product shall be approved for use on Association property if it contains or is classified as any of the following:

EPA Toxicity Category I or II active ingredients
Known, likely, or possible carcinogens as identified by EPA or IARC
Endocrine disruptors as identified by authoritative regulatory bodies
PFAS chemicals, including PFOA, PFOS, or GenX
Chemicals identified as groundwater contaminants
California Proposition 65 listed chemicals
Organophosphates, carbamates, organochlorines, or similarly high-risk chemical classes

 

5.2  Reward Programs

 

Contractors, vendors, the Association, the property manager, members of the HOA Board, committee members, residents, and any other person or entity involved in landscape or pest management on Association property shall not enroll in, participate in, solicit, or benefit, directly or indirectly, from any manufacturer, distributor, or retailer rebate, reward, point, cash-back, preferred applicator program, marketing allowance, co-op advertising, volume discount, or other incentive program based on, tied to, influenced by, or conditioned upon the purchase, selection, recommendation, use, or application volume of any synthetic pesticide product used on the property.

 

For purposes of this policy, “synthetic pesticide product” includes herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, plant growth regulators, rodenticides, miticides, molluscicides, adjuvants, surfactants, dyes or markers, and any other synthetic chemical inputs or tank mixes used in landscape maintenance or pest control. No contractor or other covered person shall accept any compensation, discount, credit, gift, remuneration, or non-cash benefit that creates an incentive to increase synthetic chemical inputs or that the HOA has not fully disclosed and approved in writing in advance.

Participation in rebate, rewards, cash-back, or similar incentive programs is permitted only for products, materials, or technologies that are OMRI Listed, WSDA Certified Organic, or otherwise approved by the HOA as organic, regenerative, or non-toxic tools that advance prevention, protection, and safer land management practices.

 

Organics-First Performance Standard
The contractor shall prioritize non-toxic, organic, and regenerative land management practices and shall minimize chemical inputs consistent with the HOA’s Organics-First policy and any written scope of work. Contractor shall not recommend or apply chemical products when an effective non-toxic or organic alternative is reasonably available and consistent with turf and landscape performance standards. 

 

Disclosure, Certification, and Records
Within ten (10) days of contract execution, and annually thereafter, Contractor shall provide a written certification of compliance with this section and disclose any past or current relationships, programs, or incentives with chemical manufacturers, distributors, or retailers related to products used on the Property. Upon request, the Contractor shall provide product purchase documentation, application logs (date, location, product, EPA Reg. No., rate, and applicator license), and any documentation reasonably necessary to verify compliance.

 

Material Breach and Remedies
Any violation of this section, or any failure to fully disclose required information, constitutes a material breach. In addition to any other remedies, the HOA may immediately terminate the contract for cause, require reimbursement or credit of the full value of any prohibited rebates, rewards, or incentives received, directly or indirectly, in connection with services on the Property, and recover reasonable costs incurred to investigate, remediate, and enforce compliance.

6. PREFERRED PEST AND VEGETATION MANAGEMENT METHODS

6.1 Prevention
Azalea Square Home Owners Association and its contractors shall review landscaping, rehabilitation, and maintenance plans to reduce pest-conducive conditions and improve long-term site resilience.

 

6.2 Cultural Controls
Preferred cultural practices include:

Use of native and regionally adapted plants
Proper mowing height and timing
Appropriate irrigation practices
Composting and mulching where appropriate
Soil-building practices that improve natural resilience
Sanitation and habitat modification to reduce pest pressure

6.3 Mechanical and Physical Controls
Preferred mechanical and physical controls include:

Hand-pulling
Hoeing
Weed whacking
Mulching
Flame weeding where safe and appropriate
Traps, barriers, fencing, and exclusion devices

6.4 Biological Controls
Preferred biological controls include:

Beneficial insects, predators, and parasites
Beneficial nematodes and microbial controls
Habitat design that supports natural pest suppression

6.5 Allowed Product Categories
The following products are approved across all Association properties.

When a pest control product is necessary after non-chemical methods have been attempted and documented, only the following are allowed unless otherwise expressly authorized by the Board under this policy:

EPA FIFRA Section 25(b) exempt minimum-risk pesticides
OMRI-listed products
South Carolina Organic Certification-compliant materials, where applicable 
Clean Water Act compliant organic formulations
USDA National Organic Program compliant materials

 

7. APPROVED PRODUCTS BY PROPERTY TYPE

7.1 Playgrounds, Pool Areas, Green Spaces, and Recreational Areas
Only the allowed product categories identified above may be used. Applications must be made in the most targeted manner possible and outside peak public use times. No treatment shall occur while the public is present in the immediate treatment area.

 

7.2 Buildings and Facilities
Only the allowed product categories identified above may be used. Physical exclusion, sanitation, and least-toxic baiting strategies are preferred. Synthetic pesticides are not permitted inside or immediately adjacent to Association buildings except as expressly authorized under this policy.

 

7.3 Waterways and Drainage Areas
Given the risk of runoff and non-target contamination, mechanical and biological controls are strongly preferred in all areas with drainage potential to ponds, ditches, stormwater features, wetlands, or other waterways. No product may be applied in a manner that may enter water or violate any product label or law.

 

8. EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROTOCOL
In the event of an imminent threat to public health or structural safety, Azalea Square Home Owners Association may authorize emergency pest management measures consistent with this policy.

Emergency responses must:

Be reviewed and approved by a properly licensed professional experienced in organic and regenerative methods whenever possible - preferably Non-Toxic Neighborhoods
Use only OMRI-listed, NOP-compliant, or FIFRA 25(b) exempt products whenever feasible
Be applied in the most targeted manner possible
Include notice and documentation
Be followed by a written mitigation and prevention plan addressing root causes
If a licensed professional asserts that no organic or minimum-risk option can adequately address an imminent public health threat, that assertion must be documented in writing, including the specific threat, alternatives considered, why they were rejected, and the product proposed.

 

9. APPROVALS AND APPLICATION OF PRODUCTS

9.1 Prior Approval
No pest control product may be used on Association property without prior written approval from Azalea Square Home Owners Association or its designated representative. 

A written recommendation must be submitted in advance and include:

Product commercial name
EPA Registration Number, if applicable
Active ingredient(s)
Application rate
Application method
Target pest
Treatment location
Re-entry interval
Safety Data Sheet
Product label

9.2 Applicator Licensing

Any pesticide application performed on Association property must be made only by an applicator properly licensed and certified in South Carolina, as required by Clemson University’s Department of Pesticide Regulation and applicable law.

 

9.3 Label Compliance
All products must be used strictly in accordance with label requirements and applicable state and federal law.

 

9.4 Protection of Non-Target Areas
Applications must be made in a manner that avoids drift, runoff, or contamination of non-target areas, including play areas, neighboring property, pets, and waterways.

 

10. NOTIFICATION AND TRANSPARENCY

10.1 Advance Notice

As an Association policy, Azalea Square Home Owners Association requires at least 48 hours advance notice by email before any pesticide application on Association-managed property, except in documented emergency circumstances. In turn, Azalea Square Home Owners Association or Property Manager will email all residents notifying when the pesticide / herbicide, etc, treatment will be done so those residents can plan accordingly. For example, the residents may choose to walk their dog or take their children to the park at least 24 hours after the treatment. 

Notice must include:

Product name
EPA Registration Number, if applicable
Active ingredient(s)
Treatment date
Treatment location
Target pest
Re-entry precautions
Contact information for the applicator or contractor

10.2 Signage
Signs shall be posted at all entrances to the treatment area at least 48 hours before application and remain in place for at least 72 hours after treatment.

Signs must be legible and include:

Product name
Active ingredient(s)
EPA Registration Number, if applicable
Applicator contact information
Date of application
Treatment area
10.3 Pesticide Use Log
Azalea Square Home Owners Association shall maintain a pesticide use log that includes:

Product name
EPA Registration Number
Active ingredient(s)
Application rate
Method of application
Date and time
Exact location
Purpose of application
Name of applicator
License number of applicator

11. PEST CONTROL CONTRACT OVERSIGHT

11.1 Contract Requirements

All pest control and landscape contracts shall expressly incorporate this IPM Policy and require compliance with it.

Contractors must:

Provide proof of current South Carolina licensure and certification
Submit all required written treatment recommendations before application
Provide Safety Data Sheets and product labels before any product is used
Agree in writing to comply with all notification, posting, record-keeping, and reporting requirements of this policy

11.2 Reporting and Record-keeping

After each visit, contractors shall submit a written service report documenting the following below. The Association to share with the homeowners by email and on the website portal where the HOA dues are maintained. 

Date of service
Location of service
Pest issue observed
Products used, or confirmation that no products were used
Application method
Applicator name and license number
Contractors shall maintain complete pesticide-use records for all work performed on Association property and provide those records upon request. At a minimum, records must identify the product, EPA Registration Number, active ingredient(s), application rate, application method, target pest, date, exact treatment location, and applicator name and license number.

 

11.3 Performance Review
Azalea Square Home Owners Association may conduct periodic inspections and compliance reviews to verify contractor performance and adherence to this policy.

Failure to comply with this policy shall constitute grounds for suspension or termination of the contract.

 

12. TRAINING AND OVERSIGHT
Contractors and staff should conduct annual training on regenerative land care practices and this policy. Non-Toxic Neighborhoods offer free continuing education courses and advice throughout the year.

Azalea Square Home Owners Association encourages annual training for relevant staff and contractors on:

Organic-first IPM practices
Regenerative land care
Pollinator and wildlife protection
Soil health practices
Compliance with this policy

13. COMMUNITY BENEFITS
By reducing synthetic pesticide use and embracing prevention-based regenerative practices, Azalea Square Home Owners Association:

Creates safer spaces for families, children, pets, and wildlife
Protects surrounding waterways from runoff contamination
Improves soil health and long-term landscape resilience
Reduces liability associated with unnecessary synthetic pesticide use
Supports property values through responsible environmental stewardship
Positions the community as a leader in safer, more sustainable management

14. POLICY ADOPTION
Approved by:

 

Azalea Square Home Owners Association

Attested by: 

Name: ____________________________
Title: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________

 

 

Part 4 of 4 : Known organic proven alternatives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wishing you and yours the best of health! 

 

Jennifer Boecker : 843-473-8176 : jennifer883sold@gmail.com 

 

Your Azalea Square Neighborhood Specialist!

I truly do care for you, our community and property values!

Please let me know any time I can assist!

I'm here and happy to help! 

 

Full-Time Realtor Since 2006

Seller Representative Specialist

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