Which pesticide is generally nontoxic to birds?

• A. Mexacarbate
• B. Carbaryl
• C. Sevin
• D. Carbofuran

Answer: (C)

The tendency for birds to be affected by a pesticide depends on how toxic the chemical is to avian wildlife. Sevin, which is carbaryl, is generally less toxic to birds than the other pesticides listed. Carbaryl is a carbamate insecticide that, when used as labeled, has lower acute toxicity to birds compared with carbofuran, which is highly toxic to many bird species, and with mexacarbate, which also poses greater avian hazard. Because of this relative safety to birds, Sevin is considered the option with the lowest avian risk among these choices, though it’s still important to follow label directions and take precautions to minimize exposure to birds.