Solutions to the massively destructive pest, fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda), are urgently needed. In Sub-Saharan Africa, governments have spent huge sums purchasing and distributing pesticides — including many highly toxic chemicals that have been banned in other parts of the world — as an emergency measure. Unfortunately, often even these chemicals are not effective but rather pose a significant risk to human health and the environment. Without proper training and the right advice about usage, smallholders often use the pesticides without following safety measures, such as wearing protective clothing while preparing or spraying the chemicals and the safe disposal of the used containers. This can result in short-term or chronic health problems, depending on duration of exposure, how much toxin is ingested and the pesticide toxicity.