ANR-1097, New Feb 1998. By Geoff Zehnder, Extension Entomologist, Associate Professor, and Wheeler Foshee, Extension Associate, both in Entomology at Auburn University.

Be Smart - Be Safe A Pesticide Safety Guide For Home Gardeners

Bottom Line: You can contribute to a safer environment by using pesticides wisely. Purchase and use only what you need. Don't dump pesticides in the trash or down the drain. If you can't use all of the pesticide, give it to a neighbor for their use on the target plant or site. After use, rinse sprayers and containers three times and apply the rinse water to the target site. Throw only triple rinsed containers in the trash.

Buying Only What You Need

Be a smart shopper and protect the environment. Buy and use only what you need to do the job.

1. Identify the pest to be controlled. Beneficial insects should not be misidentified as pests and should be left alone. Contact your county Extension System office for assistance with identification.

2. Match a pesticide product with the pest you have identified. Target pests are listed on the pesticide label.

3. Calculate the amount of pesticide you'll need before you purchase. Then apply the label- recommended amount; don't apply more than recommended.

Mixing Liquid Pesticides

Pick a well-ventilated area on the lawn or ground to mix pesticides. Do not mix on hard surfaces or concrete.

1. Always read the label before you begin to measure.

2. Put on appropriate safety equipment before opening the container. Wear eye protection, rubber gloves, a long sleeve shirt, and pants.

3. Measure the proper amount of product required. Do not overuse!

4. Fill sprayer with 2/3 of the amount of water needed, then add the measured pesticide product. Rinse the measuring container and pour rinse water in the sprayer. Fill sprayer with the required amount of water and spray on the target plant or site.

Applying Pesticides

Careful application can prevent pesticides from entering waterways. Remember to read the directions carefully before spraying and water-in pesticides only if required on the label.

1. Take care to apply the spray or granules only to the target plant or site. Do not apply to driveways, sidewalks, or other hard surface areas.

2. If the label specifies that the product be watered in, apply only enough water to move the pesticide into the ground. Stop watering when puddling occurs.

3. Avoid pesticide run-off away from the target site. This is one of the most common ways that pesticides enter our groundwater and waterways. Do not apply pesticides if rainfall is expected within 6 to 8 hours.

 

Storing Unused Pesticides

Store:

• In the original container.
• In a cool location.
• Under lock and key, safely away from children.
  

Disposing of Pesticide Containers

Keep pesticides out of drains and landfills! Follow the directions below for empty liquid pesticide containers. Empty packages of dry pesticides completely, then fold, and throw into the trash.

1. Empty and use all the contents of the container. Rinse the container three times with water and pour the rinse water into the sprayer. Do not insert a hose into the container.

2. Spray the rinse water on the target plant or site. Do not pour it down the drain!

3. Clean the sprayer by flushing the inside with fresh water. Spray flush water on the target plant or site. Repeat.

4. Wrap the pesticide container in newspaper and throw it in the trash. Do not recycle!

Sharing Pesticides With A Neighbor

Access to approved pesticide waste disposal sites is limited. Home gardeners may be tempted to dump unwanted pesticides in the trash or down the drain.

Avoid this dilemma by buying only the amount of pesticide that you need to do the job. If unwanted pesticide remains, share it with a gardening friend who can use it properly or use it on an approved, legal site.

Remember--pesticides placed in sewer, storm drains, or in landfills can go directly into your water supply or into nearby lakes and streams used for recreation.

For more information, call your county Extension office. Look in your telephone directory under your county's name to find the number.