Ohio State University Extension Fact Sheet

How To Use Pesticides Correctly

HYG-6104-90

Pesticides are tools of chemical or biological origin people use to improve the quality of life. We use pesticides to control, kill or mitigate unwanted, nuisance or hazardous pests, including insects, bacteria, fungi, weeds, mites and rodents.

The word "pesticide" comes from the Latin words pestis, for "plague," and cidu, "to kill," and is the general term used for specific pesticide products such as herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, disinfectants or miticides. In essence, a pesticide product makes a claim to control a pest. It is interesting that some pesticide active ingredients are also used as medicines to control human pathogens.

The first step in using a pesticide correctly is to identify the pest. Because pesticide products can be very specific in their pest-control spectrum, it is vital to identify the pest correctly. Further, an incorrect identification of the pest followed by a prescription pesticide application could harm beneficial plants or animals, pollute the soil, water or air, and promote the buildup of other pests previously controlled by their natural enemies.

After the pest has been positively identified, an evaluation should be made to determine whether the pest population is at an injurious level to the crop, animal or substance that is to be protected. Pestcontrol measures can sometimes cost more than pest damage. This concept, at which the cost of pest damage exceeds the cost of control, is called an "economic threshold."

The next step is to determine the most appropriate methods of pest control. For example, a fly swatter is an excellent nonpesticidal tool to control a few houseflies or crickets that might be invading a homestead.

If non-chemical control methods are insufficient or not cost-effective, pesticides can be considered to control the offending pest(s).

After the decision has been made to use a pesticide, based upon the correct identification of a pest at an injurious level, selection of an appropriate product is the next step in using pesticides correctly. Recommendations for appropriate pesticides to control specific pests are available from your county Extension office.

The following step in using a pesticide correctly is the most important. Reading and following the pesticide label directions is critical to using pesticide products correctly. The pesticide label is the information written on and often attached to the pesticide container that tells how to use the product effectively and safely. Adherence to pesticide label directions should minimize personal and environmental contamination risks. Further, it is a violation of state and federal laws to use a pesticide in any way other than recommended by the label directions.

The pesticide label contains many different types of information. Examples of information found on the pesticide label include different pests the product will control, treatment for human poisoning cases, environmental precautions, amounts to apply, re-entry, and harvest intervals. The bottom line in using pesticides safely is to read and follow pesticide label directions. Take the time to read the directions.

Summary

The 10 Commandments of Safe Pesticide Usage

1. Identify the pest and determine if its damage is at an economic threshold.
2. Consider all pest-control alternatives. If a pesticide is used, select the least toxic material for use on the crop, animal or site that will control the pest. Review the pesticide signal word to determine acute toxicity. (See No. 3 of sample pesticide label.)
3. Mix only enough pesticide to complete the application. Wear appropriate clothing and safety equipment to avoid personal exposure. Refer to the pesticide label for specific clothing and equipment requirements.
4. Read and follow all pesticide label directions to apply the pesticide safely and correctly. This is the key step in using any pesticide properly.
5. Store any unused pesticide in the original tightly closed container and place in a clean, dry, ventilated area out of sunlight and safe from freezing temperatures. The pesticide storage area should have signs indicating pesticides are present and should be locked to prevent entrance by children or animals.
6. Dispose of pesticide containers properly. Refer to the label for disposal information. Pesticide containers for liquidtype products should be triple-rinsed before disposal. Never reuse empty pesticide containers.
7. Do not dump unused pesticides. Consult the label for disposal directions or call your county Extension office.
8. In the event of a spill, call the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency at 1-800-282-9378, Chemtrec at 1-800424-9300, the Ohio Department of Agriculture at 1-800-282-1955, or your county Extension office.
9. In the event of a suspected poisoning case, you must have the pesticide label of the suspect product. Consult the label for emergency treatment, physician information and emergency telephone numbers.
10. After any pesticide usage, wash yourself thoroughly with soap and water. Clothing with pesticide residues should be washed separately or disposed of if heavily contaminated.

Parts of Sample Pesticide Label

1. Precautionary statements provide information on appropriate measures to protect yourself and others when using Reliable.
2. The active ingredient statement indicates the chemical composition of Reliable.
3. The signal word for the pesticide Reliable is DANGER, which indicates the pesticide is highly toxic orally, dermally or through inhalation. Other signal words are WARNING, which indicates the product is moderately toxic, and CAUTION, which indicates the product is of low toxicity.
4. Statement of practical treatment gives information on first-aid treatment recommended in case of exposure or poisoning.
5. Directions for use indicate crop and site where Reliable can be applied. Information is also given on how to mix/dilute Reliable.

1 There are many additional pesticide label parts not described here. Read the entire pesticide label to use the product safely and correctly. Pesticide label parts are not numbered as shown in the above sample pesticide label.

NOTE: Disclaimer - This publication may contain pesticide recommendations that are subject to change at any time. These recommendations are provided only as a guide. It is always the pesticide applicator's responsibility, by law, to read and follow all current label directions for the specific pesticide being used. Due to constantly changing labels and product registrations, some of the recommendations given in this writing may no longer be legal by the time you read them. If any information in these recommendations disagrees with the label, the recommendation must be disregarded. No endorsement is intended for products mentioned, nor is criticism meant for products not mentioned. The author and Ohio State University Extension assume no liability resulting from the use of these recommendations.