Tips for Treatment Pesticides
Pesticides are not “safe.” They are produced specifically
because they are poisonous to something. By heeding all the following tips, you can reduce your risks when you use pesticides.
* All pesticides legally marketed in the United States must bear an EPA-approved label; check the label to make sure it bears an EPA registration number.
* Before using a pesticide, read the entire label. Even if you have used the pesticide before, read the label again–don’t trust your memory. Use of any pesticide in any way that is not consistent with label directions and precautions is subject to civil and/or criminal penalties.
* Do not use a “restricted use” pesticide unless you are a formally trained, certified pesticide applicator. These products are too dangerous to be used without special training.
* Follow use directions carefully. Use only the amount directed, at the time and under the conditions specified,and for the purpose listed. Don’t think that twice the dosage will do twice the job. It won’t. What’s worse, you may harm yourself, others, or whatever you are trying to protect.
* Look for one of the following signal words on the front of the label. It will tell you how hazardous a pesticide is if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through skin.
DANGER means highly poisonous;
WARNING means moderately hazardous;
CAUTION means least hazardous.
* Wear the items of protective clothing the label requires: for example, long sleeves and long pants, impervious gloves, rubber (not canvas or leather) footwear, hat, and goggles. Personal protective clothing usually is available at home building supply stores.
* If you must mix or dilute the pesticide, do so outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Mix only the amount you need and use portions listed on the label.
* Keep children and pets away from areas where you mix or apply pesticides.
* If a spill occurs, clean it up promptly. Don’t wash it away. Instead, sprinkle with sawdust, vermiculite, or kitty litter; sweep into a plastic garbage bag; and dispose with the rest of your trash.
* Remove pets (including birds and fish) and toys from the area to be treated. Remove food, dishes, pots, and pans before treating kitchen cabinets, and don’t let pesticides get on these surfaces. Wait until shelves dry before refilling them.
* Allow adequate ventilation when applying pesticides indoors. Go away from treated areas for at least the length of time prescribed by the label. When spraying outdoors, close the windows of your home.
* Most surface sprays should be applied only to limited areas; don’t treat entire floors, walls, or ceilings.
* Never place rodent or insect baits where small children or pets can reach them.
* When applying spray or dust outdoors, cover fish ponds, and avoid applying pesticides near wells. Always avoid over-application when treating lawn, shrubs, or gardens. Run off or seepage from excess pesticide usage may contaminate water supplies. Excess spray may leave harmful residues on home-grown produce.
* Keep herbicides away from non-target plants. Avoid applying any pesticide to blooming plants, especially if you see honeybees or other pollinating insects around them. Avoid birds’ nests when spraying trees.
* Never spray or dust outdoors on a windy day.
* Never smoke while applying pesticides. You could easily carry traces of the pesticide from hand to mouth. Also, some products are flammable.
* Never transfer pesticides to containers not intended for them, such as empty soft drink bottles. Keep pesticides in containers that clearly and prominently identify the contents. Properly refasten all childproof caps.
* Wash and shampoo thoroughly after using a pesticide product. Wash the clothing that you wore when applying the product separately from the family laundry. To prevent tracking chemicals inside, also rinse boots and shoes before entering your home.
* Before using a pesticide product, know what to do in case of accidental poisoning.
* To remove residues, use a bucket to triple rinse tools or equipment, including any containers or utensils used to mix the chemicals. Then pour the rinse water into the pesticide container and reuse the solution by applying it according to the pesticide product label directions.