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10
Steps for Responsible Pesticide Use
Click here
for a printable one-page list of the 10 steps.
Post it where you might store or mix pesticides.
1.
PRACTICE PREVENTION
- Keep
indoor areas clean and dry. Keep outdoor areas clear of trash and standing
water. Remove potential pest hiding or breeding sites.
- Keep
your plants and soil healthy. Plant native flowers, trees, shrubs, and
grasses to take advantage of their ability to thrive in your area and
their natural anti-pest defense systems.
- PESTS
ARE OFTEN THE SYMPTOM OF A PROBLEM RATHER THAN THE SOURCE. Integrated
Pest Management (IPM) is a pest control approach that stresses prevention
of problems that may lead to pest infestations. Click
here to learn more.
2.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A PEST PROBLEM
- Seeing
a bug or a weed doesn’t mean you have “pest problem”.
Could it be a beneficial insect or a desirable native plant? Take the
time to identify it.
- PEST
CONTROL DOES NOT MEAN PEST ELIMINATION. If you find a potential pest
species, is it abundant enough to cause a problem?
3.
TRY NON-TOXIC CONTROL METHODS FIRST
Our
reliance on synthetic chemicals to control pests is a 20th century phenomena.
There are scores of alternatives – some dating back centuries,
some newly devised. Think outside the box (or spray can), literally.
Click here to explore your options.
4.
IF YOU MUST USE A PESTICIDE, USE THE LEAST TOXIC
- ALL
PESTICIDES ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL. Different pesticides carry different
levels of risk to you, others, and the environment.
- Pesticides
labeled CAUTION are considered least hazardous to human health, WARNING
signals more poisonous pesticides, DANGER identifies extremely poisonous
pesticides.
- Be
aware that the risks of some pesticides may be very different for humans,
birds, aquatic organisms, and other wildlife.
5.
READ THE LABEL, READ THE LABEL, READ THE LABEL
- It
bears repeating. The label provides the critical information you need
for the safest use, and only legal uses, of a pesticide.
- Read
the label BEFORE you BUY, MIX, USE, STORE, or DISPOSE of ANY pesticide.
- Read
the label EVERY TIME you reach for a pesticide.
6.
USE ONLY THE RECOMMENDED AMOUNT
- MORE
IS NOT BETTER. Use only the amount specified on the label.
- When
preparing a pesticide for use, mix only the amount you will need at
that time.
7.
PROTECT YOURSELF, OTHERS, AND THE ENVIRONMENT
- Wear
protective gear, don’t smoke or eat, apply only at the time and
under the conditions specified on the label.
- Alert
family, guests, and neighbors when using pesticides and don’t apply
when people, pets, or wildlife are near.
- Don’t
apply pesticides when windy or near water sources. Remember there are
many pathways through which pesticides can spread beyond a targeted
area.
-
Take heed of the time interval needed after treatment before a lawn
or other area is safe for small children and pets.
8.
KNOW THE SIGNS OF PESTICIDE POISONING
- Know
the signs of poisoning for the pesticide that you are using. Different
symptoms can result from different pesticides. Different symptoms will
result from different routes of exposure – inhaled vs. ingested
vs. skin contact.
- Review
first aid information provided on the label before using a pesticide.
- If
you suspect pesticide poisoning and the victim is unconscious or in
distress-- CALL 911!
9.
STORE UNUSED PESTICIDES IN LOCKED AREAS IN THEIR ORIGINAL CONTAINERS
- CHILD
RESISTANT DOES NOT MEAN CHILDPROOF. Close packages properly, using all
child-resistant features. Store out of reach. Lock the storage cabinet.
- Never
transfer pesticides to other containers, especially those from food
or drink items.
- Avoid
having pesticides that will need to be stored. Buy only the amount of
pesticide that you need for the specific problem you’ve identified.
10.
DISCARD OLD, POORLY LABELED, OR DISCONTINUED PESTICIDE PRODUCTS IN A SAFE
MANNER
- DON’T
STOCKPILE. INVENTORY WHAT YOU HAVE. KEEP ONLY WHAT YOU NEED.
- The
label is critical for safest use – if you can’t read the label,
get rid of the product.
- Pesticide
uses and safety concerns change. Old or discontinued products may no
longer have applicable labels.
- Contact
local solid waste management or health agencies for disposal guidelines.
State and local laws may dictate stricter guidelines than those provided
on the label.
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