Pesticides labels are dictated by federal law. They contain all the information you need to use the pesticide safely. Read the label and make sure you understand what it says. You can only use the pesticide on plants that the label mentions and only to treat problems listed on the label. Off-label uses are a violation of federal law and can result in civil and criminal charges if anyone is harmed or property is damaged because you did not follow the label directions.
Dress for Success
To safely use a pesticide, make sure you dress as instructed on the label. If the label calls for long sleeves, long pants, gloves, a hat, and a face mask, make sure that is what you wear when applying the chemical, even if it is hot outside. After you apply your chemical, immediately remove your clothes as soon as you get inside, put those clothes in the washing machine alone, and run them in the hottest water the fabric will stand. After you remove the clothes, run the washing machine again on hot water while it is empty. This keeps any of the pesticide from getting on clothes other family members use, which could make them sick. If your pets lay on the contaminated clothing, they could become ill or die, too.
To Enter or Not to Enter
One of the most important parts of the label discusses the re-entry period. This is the period that must pass before you or anyone else can go back into an area that has been treated. This ranges from a few minutes to as long as 72 hours. Make sure that children and pets stay out, too. Since pets have fur, they can get soaked in the pesticide, leave the treated area, and continue to be exposed to the pesticide. They may also contaminate areas in the house and any family members who touch them. This greatly increases the results of toxic side effects for everyone exposed.
Safe Use is Possible
Pesticides help us grow more food than any other country in the world. They keep diseases spread by pests, such as the bubonic plague, at bay and make our lives much more pleasant. If used properly, they pose very little risk to yourself, your families, and your pets. Always follow the label directions and obey the re-entry period, and use a little common sense, and you and your family will enjoy a pest free home and garden with your pet in safety.
