Pesticide Safety

Spring is the time when homeowners start waging a war on insects and weeds around their home. No matter if you are using organic or synthetic chemicals using them correctly is vital to your health and how well the chemical works. Pesticides can be an important tool in your gardening toolbox, but only if they are used properly. Here are some tips to use pesticides safely around your home this year.

• Correctly identify what you want to control: Before applying any chemical the first step is to figure out what you are trying to control in the first place whether it’s a weed, an insect or a disease. If you apply the wrong product you won’t solve your problem and you could make it worse. If you can’t figure out what is going on contact me and I can help you figure out what is going on. In some cases, pesticides might not be needed at all.
• Choose the right pesticide: Once you know what you are trying to control, then you can figure out what product to use. There are thousands of products on the market so your first step when shopping for a product is to read the label to see if the pest, disease or issue you need to control is listed. You should also consider some other factors when picking a chemical including environmental safety, ease of use, cost and application equipment needed. If possible choose the pesticide with the lowest environmental impact or danger rating possible.
• Read the Label!!! The label will give you all the information needed to safely apply that chemical including the clothes to wear, the rate to apply, the weather to apply in, how long till it’s rain fast and how to clean up after the chemical is applied. Be sure to read the label before mixing or applying any chemical.
• Clothing counts: Most of the time exposure to chemicals can be prevented by wearing the proper clothing including closed toed rubber shoes, long pants, long sleeved shirts and the correct gloves. It’s important to wear the right clothing. After you finish your application, wash your clothes using powder laundry detergent on the hottest and deepest water setting that the washing machine has. Be sure to wash those clothes separate from all other clothing to prevent chemicals from getting on your family’s clothes. To clean the washer, run it one cycle after you wash the spray clothes.
• Don’t forget the Shoes: Be sure to remove any shoes you used spraying outside the house and triple rinse them off to make sure the chemical has been removed. If possible, leave them in a garage and use them only outside.
• Always use original container: No matter what chemical you use always keep it in the original container. If a neighbor asks to borrow some chemical always send the main bottle, never give them some in a pop or other bottle. There have been too many cases where someone accidentally drinks chemicals because it wasn’t stored properly. If you must transfer it to another container clearly label that product and include the label when possible.
• Storage and Disposal: Make sure to store all chemicals away from children, preferably in a locked cabinet. Chemicals also should not be allowed to freeze in the winter as this impacts how well effective they are. If you have extra chemical that you won’t use be sure to dispose of it properly at a hazardous waste collection site. Never dump chemicals down the drain or pour them out on to the ground. Once a bottle is empty be sure to triple rinse the bottle before disposing of it.

Pesticide safety is an important aspect of working in a lawn or garden. Even organic chemicals can be harmful if you are exposed to them. Chemicals themselves are not bad, they are simply a tool in a gardeners tool box when used correctly. The issues happen when you don’t read the label and don’t follow the instructions. Remember to be safe, read the label and have a wonderful gardening season.

Have questions? Contact our office where our Horticulture Extension Agent will assist you with questions.

Phone: (316) 321-9660

Email: callae@ksu.edu