Lawsuit: Worm poop not a pesticide

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SACRAMENTO, June 21 (UPI) -- A California man at odds with state regulators regarding whether his worm-waste products are pesticides is taking his fight to court.

George Hahn of Cardiff, who was fined $100,000 last year by the state Department of Pesticide Regulation for allegedly selling unregistered pesticides, claims in Sacramento Court his products are made from all-natural ingredients and should not have to be registered, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported Monday.

Hahn said his products -- Worm Gold, Worm Gold Plus and Tree Rescue Solution, are made from worm feces, sometimes called castings -- are fertilizers that improve the soil and help plants grow.

"These rules were never intended to cover natural, non-toxic products," Hahn said. "They are overstepping their bounds."

However, state regulators said Hahn marketed the products as repelling bark beetles, meaning they are subject to rules regarding substances sold to control posts.

The lawsuit, which seeks to have the fine overturned, is scheduled for a hearing in July.