The Neighborhood Gardener:
Ten Tips for Using Pesticides Safely
Here are ten quick tips from the new Pesticide Environmental Stewardship (PES) website.
- Read the label before buying the pesticide.
- Buy only the amount of pesticide needed for one season.
- As a general rule of thumb, the temperature inside the storage area should not get below 40° F or over 100° F.
- Calibrate equipment carefully to assure that the pesticide is applied at labeled rates.
- Be aware of the current and probable future weather conditions in order to make the best application decisions to prevent drift.
- Locate the mixing/loading site away from wells, streams, and lakes.
- Never leave a tank while it is being filled, and pay constant attention during filling to prevent overfilling and spilling of the pesticide on the ground.
- When you empty a container, allow it to drain into the spray tank for ten seconds after it begins to drip.
- Remember that exceeding the label rate of application is a violation of the law.
- Follow the label each time you mix and use the pesticide, and follow the label when storing or disposing of the pesticide. Do not trust your memory.
