Controlling Diseases and Insects in Home Fruit Plantings

Bulletin 780-01

Pesticide Safety

In the last 20 years, many of the most persistent pesticides have been discontinued and many of the highly toxic ones have been restricted for purchase and use only by licensed applicators. However, even unrestricted pesticides can be poisonous to people and animals. Always handle them with care! The label is the most important piece of information you will find on the proper use of the pesticide and its hazards. Read the label! The following precautions should be followed with all pesticides used around the home.

1. Read the label! Be aware of the toxicity of the material you are using, and wear the appropriate protective clothing such as gloves, goggles, and long-sleeved shirt.
2. Buy only enough pesticide for one year's use. Most materials have a shelf life of two to three years, but left-over materials present greater hazards for safe storage, handling and, possibly, for disposal.
3. Store all pesticides only in their original, labeled containers. Keep all pesticides and measuring utensils in a cool, dry, locked storage area out of the reach of children and pets. Store wettable powder formulations of herbicides separately from other pesticides. Never allow liquid formulations to freeze.
4. Measure the amount of pesticide to be used each time. Use a set of standard measuring spoons and a small postage scale set aside specifically for this use. Never add more material to the spray tank than is recommended on the label.
5. Be careful not to breathe pesticide dusts or mists during measuring, mixing and application. Most pesticide accidents occur while measuring the material and filling the sprayer. Always conduct these procedures in a well-ventilated room, and use protective clothing such as goggles, chemical-resistant gloves, a dust mask or respirator, long sleeved shirt and long pants or coveralls when indicated on the label. Remember that the responsibility for the safe and proper use of all pesticides rests solely with the applicator.
6. Do not prepare more spray mixture than required for the job. Do not attempt to store unused spray mixtures (those diluted in water) for later use. When a small amount of spray mixture is left over, it is safest to use it to respray the crop rather than just dumping it. Do not pour excess pesticides or sprayer rinse water into any community sewer system or where run-off could contaminate nearby streams or ponds.
7. Keep the sprayer clean. Dirt and rust particles can clog nozzles. This makes it necessary to detach them repeatedly for cleaning during the spray operation and increases your chances for direct exposure to the pesticide mix.
8. Do not reuse pesticide containers. Triple-rinse cans and bottles (add the rinse to the sprayer tank); then puncture or break them and dispose of them in the trash. Do not burn empty paper or plastic containers; dispose of them in the trash.
9. If a pesticide concentrate is spilled on you or others, stop work immediately and wash it off. Change clothing if it becomes contaminated and wash it separately from other clothing.
10. Do not eat, drink or smoke while working with pesticides.