Safe Use of Pesticides around the Home

Controlling pests in and around the home and garden is seemingly a never-ending problem. Insects invade homes, contaminate stored food products, carry certain organisms that cause serious human and animal diseases, infest pets, and threaten fruit trees, ornamental plants, and vegetables.


To help the homeowner, a wide array of pesticides has been developed to control pests in and around the home and garden. But just how safe are pesticides? This is a very important question, particularly for the applicator and for those who may come in contact with the pesticides before, during, or immediately after the application.


Many household products are pesticides, including the following common products:


    Cockroach sprays and baits
    Insect repellents to repel mosquitoes and other biting insects
    Rat and other rodent poisons
     Flea and tick sprays, powders, and pet collars
     Kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants and sanitizers
     Products that kill mold and mildew
    Some lawn and garden products such as weed killers
    Some swimming pool chemicals


Choose the Proper Pesticide


Choosing the correct pesticide to control the pest(s) in your home, lawn, or garden requires a certain amount of planning. As mentioned above, many types of pesticides exist to treat a specific pest, and a variety of pesticide formulations are available to the consumer. To help choose the correct pesticide for the targeted pest(s), please consider the following.



     Properly identify the insect, weed, disease, rodent, or other pest that you are attempting to control. Personnel in your county extension office may be able to help you identify the problem pest and select the appropriate control strategy.
     Determine if you will treat the problem yourself or have a professional licensed pesticide applicator treat the problem pest.
     Consider using alternative non-chemical control procedures if appropriate.
     If you choose to treat the problem yourself with a pesticide, purchase the least toxic pesticide product that will eliminate or control the pest. Purchase a quantity of pesticide for immediate use only. Do not stockpile pesticide products.
    Familiarize yourself with the product by reading the label before purchasing and using the pesticide product.
     Follow all label directions and safety precautions while using the product.
     Although some homeowners and urban dwellers are not required to keep records of pesticide applications in and around their home and garden, keeping a personal written record of pesticide applications may be invaluable in the event of an alleged poisoning or property damage. Records should include the date, time, pesticide brand name, formulation, rate applied, temperature and wind conditions, and location of the application.



Most important a pesticide is still a poison and care should be exercised when using pesticides.