No matter whether you are using "synthetic" or "organic" pesticides around the home environment, you need to make sure to do so in a safe manner. All pesticides are meant to kill other living organisms even though their relative toxicity to humans may vary greatly. So, they deserve to be handled with care at all times.

Generally, there are 3 major areas of concern when it comes to pesticide safety which include:

1. Mixing Pesticides
2. Applying Pesticides
3. Storing Pesticides

Note: Here are just a few tips on how to avoid some of the more common problems you might encounter in the use of pesticides in the home landscape. Check with your Land Grant University Extension Service for more detailed instructions.

Usually, the place where you are in the most danger of immediate damage by a pesticide is during the mixing process. It is at this time when you are handling the most concentrated form of the pesticide as you prepare to mix and dilute it with water. This is the time when an accidental spill will be most dangerous to you and to the environment.

So, it is imperative that you where proper protective gear during the mixing process. Wear rubber gloves that are rated for chemical resistance and not just those thin medical gloves you buy at the drug store. Protect your feet with rubberized shoes or boots and use goggles to prevent splashes from reaching your eyes. If the product recommends use of a respirator...use one.

In fact, always follow the recommendations on the label of the pesticide. These are not only the legal requirements but are also the ones that result from research on the best ways to handle the products.

Be sure to thoroughly clean any spoons, cups or other items used in the mixing process. Label them clearly so that they are never used for any other purpose.

When you are actually applying the pesticide, it should be in a diluted form inside the sprayer. However, this does not mean that you can relax your safety consciousness at all. This is a time when you may expose yourself, others or the environment to a pesticide.

First of all, wear the proper protective gear. This usually means rubber, chemical resistant gloves, solid, water resistant footwear, long-sleeve shirt or coverall and a hat.

Remember that different parts of the body absorb things at different rates. Head covering is important since the scalp absorbs chemicals faster than the hands. The genitals are also very absorbent so be sure to thoroughly wash your hands before using the bathroom after spraying.

Another general factor to consider is the wind. It is usually best to spray in the early morning or early evening when the wind is low. A gusty wind will spread the pesticide to non-target areas and is more likely to spray it back onto you.

Finally, the best approach is to mix only the amount of pesticide that you will need for the job at hand. If there is any leftover in the sprayer, apply it to the intended target area and never pour it down any drain of any type. This will only lead to a stream somewhere.

Of course, the best way would be to purchase just enough pesticide to use for one application. Unfortunately, that is not practical in the vast majority of cases. So, what do you do with the leftover pesticide? Here are a few hints.

First and foremost, NEVER store pesticides (either diluted or not diluted) into any other than the original container. Violating this rule has lead to far too many illnesses or even deaths when someone inadvertently drinks the stuff because it was left in an old pop bottle. Also, keep the original label and instructions with the pesticide container at all times.

Pesticides should be kept under lock and key. They should be in a cabinet designated specifically for pesticides and only pesticides. The cabinet should be secured with a lock with the key kept away from children or other.

Don't store pesticides inside the living area of the house. If you do not have a separate shed and must keep them in the garage, be sure to label the cabinet as Pesticide Storage. In case of a fire, the local fire department needs to know the kind of chemicals that are stored on the premises.

From the pesticide's standpoint, keep the pesticide from extremes of heat or cold and in the dark. This will help prevent a decay in the effectiveness of the product from year to year.

• Antibiotics
• Assess the Problem
• Biological Controls
• Chemical Options
• Control Alternatives
• Cultural Control
• Do Nothing Alternative
• Environment Issues

• Evaluate the Process
• Fungicides
• Herbicides
• Homepage
• Horticultural Oils
• Insecticides
• Integrated Pest Mgt
• Mechanical Controls

• Miticides
• Nematicides
• Pheromones
• Safety Issues
• Threshholds
• Toxicity

Note: We have provided some general information and observations on this topic aimed at the home gardener. Before you take any serious action in your landscape, check with your state's land grant university's Cooperative Extension Service for the most current, appropriate, localized recommendations.