Household and Structural Pest Management

Bulletin 512

Pesticide Safety is Your Responsibility

You have consulted this bulletin to control some insect, tick or mite in or around your home. It is your responsibility to use pesticides safely. Make sure that you apply the correct pesticide for the pest you have. Do not contaminate yourself, your family, your pets, your home or the environment by careless pesticide use.

Pesticides, when used properly, are safe and effective, but if used carelessly they can injure humans and pets as well as result in harmful residues in foods. Pesticides used outside, if used incorrectly, can contaminate streams, food for wildlife and flowers visited by beneficial bee pollinators.

Read the Following Before Using Any Pesticide

1. Read and follow the label carefully. (The label is the law.)

2. Protect children--store pesticides in the original, closed, well-labeled containers in areas where children and pets cannot access. Lock up spray equipment.

3. Never reuse pesticide containers. Bury empty ones 18 inches deep, away from water sources after triple rinsing, or dispose of them at a public dump, or in a trash collection service after wrapping in heavy paper bags. Collection programs that turn the material over to waste treatments facilities are best.

4. Use the recommended rates. Over-dosage is illegal and may be dangerous. Federal regulations permit concentrations less than label dosage.

5. Protect yourself. Prepare materials in well ventilated areas. Keep materials away from your mouth, eyes and nose. Avoid skin contact or breathing vapors. Never eat or smoke while using pesticides. Use appropriate protective clothing, gloves, goggles, respirators, waterless cleanser, paper towels, etc. Wash skin with soap and hot water after finishing the work. Launder clothing immediately and separately from the family laundry.

6. If someone swallows a pesticide, or if one becomes ill and a pesticide is suspected, contact a physician at once, or contact the Poison Information Center nearest you. (See inside back cover for a list of Poison Information Centers.)

7. Check the pesticide label before purchasing. Make sure the pesticide is labeled for homeowner use. Some pesticides are sold in formulations specifically for licensed pest control operators. The homeowner should not use those insecticides specifically labeled for professional pest control use only. Make sure the pesticide is labelled for the location you desire. Some products are labelled exclusively for indoor or outdoor use.

8. When you spray: keep children and pets (including fish and birds) out of the areas until the spray is dry and the room aired. Never spray food, dishes, utensils, etc. Turn off gas pilot lights before spraying.

9. Mix only the amount of pesticide you plan to use, or use all you mix.

10. Rinse and clean spray equipment when finished.

Household pesticides recommended in this publication are registered with the Office of Pesticide Programs of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).