Safe use and storage of pesticides

Pesticides are a necessary evil for many homeowners and are used to protect lawns from disease, pests and weeds. The following guidelines will walk you through the safe storage of pesticides and how to best apply them.

• Before you purchase a pesticide or herbicide, read the label carefully. Check to see that it is labelled (registered) for use on the pest, disease, or weed that you want to treat, and that it is also labeled for safe use on the plant that you want to apply it to.
• Do not use a pesticide on a plant or pest for which it is not labelled.
• Study the product label for guidelines about protective clothing and application; what is the best season, time of day, and weather for application. For instance, you should never apply such products on a windy day to avoid damaging nearby plants, and also to avoid having the pesticide drift from your yard into a neighboring one.
• You also should avoid applying pesticides before rain is expected, and you should apply them when the temperatures are between 18° and 30°C (65° and 85°F).

1. Before spraying to be sure that you have no medical conditions that should pre prevent you from spraying. If you are in doubt, hire a professional licensed applicator.
2. Keep children and pets away from the area during and after application, for as long as the label instructs, and inform neighbours that you will spray.
3. Measure and mix chemicals in a well-ventilated area and precisely as directed on the product label. Applying a stronger-than-recommended solution is illegal, and may harm plants. Wear old clothing with long sleeves and long legs and dispose of it, or wash it separately and store it with the product. Do not touch your face or eat or drink until you finish the task and then bathe thoroughly.
4. Many garden pesticides remain viable for years when stored in a cool, dry place. In the interest of safety, store lawn and garden chemicals in their original containers, in a locked cabinet out of reach of children and pets, and label the cabinet door with its contents.
5. If you experience a chemical spill or suspect pesticide poisoning, consult the product label for first-aid action, or a hot-line phone number. Also, telephone 911, your physician, or a poison-control centre. Keep the product nearby so that you can read the active ingredients, which are listed on the label, to the help-line person who answers the telephone.

Following these basic steps will help you safely store your pesticides and apply them to your lawn.