Community ClicksWhether you have a small yard or acres that stretch toward the horizon, your use of pesticides impacts the environment and others in your community.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the best approach to pest control. With IPM, any use of pesticides is combined with appropriate cultural, biological and mechanical pest control measures and your personal tolerance for the pest. For example, if the majority of aphids can be washed from a plant using a strong spray of water, the use of pesticides probably is unnecessary.
Answer these questions before considering use of a pesticide:
>>> Have you identified the insect or disease causing the problem?
>>> Is the level of damage great enough to warrant control?
>>> Is the problem likely to go away without action?
>>> Have you tried cultural, biological or mechanical controls?
>>> Is the pest in a vulnerable stage at the time you will apply the pesticide?
>>> Is the pesticide registered for use on the plant and site in which the plant is found?
>>> Is the pest or disease listed on the label?
>>> How long will the pesticide remain active in the ground after use?
If you decide to use a pesticide remember, “The label is the law.” Read the entire label before purchasing.
The pest or disease to be targeted and the location in which the product can be used are listed on the label.
Purchase the least toxic product based on the signal words: “Caution” (least toxic), “Warning” or “Danger” (most toxic).
Avoid pesticides with warnings such as, “this product is highly toxic to bees” or “do not apply where runoff is likely.” It is illegal to use a pesticide on a food crop unless that food is listed on the label. Look for “preharvest” information to know how many days must pass between spray and harvest for the food to be safe to eat. Do not assume that washing the food will remove the pesticide residue.
Wear long sleeves, long pants, chemical-resistant shoes or boots, waterproof gloves, eye protection, a hat with a brim and neck protection when applying pesticides.
Never eat, drink or smoke while using pesticides.
Do not spray pesticides on windy days.
Rinse the sprayer body, hose and nozzle with clean water immediately after use. Spray rinse water over an area that will not be harmed by the pesticide. Do not pour it down the drain.
Never use a sprayer that has contained a weed killer to apply an insecticide or fungicide. This may kill a desirable plant.
Store pesticides only in original containers, and cover the label with clear plastic tape to keep it legible. Never store pesticides in the house or near food or medical products. Preferably store them in a locked cabinet on a shelf four feet off the ground, away from children and pets.
The shelf-life of a pesticide may be listed on its label, but if not, assume two years. Older pesticides should be disposed of at Clallam County’s Moderate Risk Waste Facility in Port Angeles.
Judy English is a certified WSU Clallam County Master Gardener. For more free information about pesticides read the Washington State University publications: “Pesticides: Learning about Labels” at http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/
CEPublications/FSIPM001/FSIPM001.pdf, “Pesticides: Safe Handling” http://king.wsu.edu/gardening/MGCD/WSUEB/misc0192.pdf and “Safe Disposal of Home Use Pesticides” http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb1386/eb1386.html.
General first-aid tips for pesticide exposure
>>> Read the pesticide label carefully before you use it and be prepared to follow the first aid instructions.
>>> If an exposure occurs, get medical help immediately, if needed.
Phone the Washington Poison Center at 800-222-1222 or dial 9-1-1.
>>> Provide the responder with the information on the pesticide label.
>>> If the pesticide spills on skin, wash the area immediately with soap and water and discard contaminated clothing.
>>> If the pesticide gets into eyes, flush with clean water for 10 to 15 minutes.
>>> If the pesticide vapor is inhaled, move the victim to fresh air; give artificial respiration if the victim is unconscious.
>>> If the victim has swallowed the pesticide, the label will indicate whether or not to induce vomiting.
Do not give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
