UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Many common consumer products are considered pesticides, such as disinfecting wipes, insect repellent, flea and tick collars, weed and feed for lawns, and in-house ant traps.
But do you know how to use pesticides safely? Follow us on Twitter or on Facebook to answer pesticide safety questions throughout the month of February. We hope this makes you more aware about how you use and handle pesticides.
Reading and understanding the labels on these products is necessary to using them in a safe and proper manner. Pesticide labels are legal documents that provide directions on how to mix, apply, store, and dispose of a pesticide product. Additional information that can be found on pesticide labels include:
- Signal word indicate how hazardous the product is
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) state what you should wear, such as gloves and/or boots
- First aid statements in case an exposure to the pesticide occurs
- Any potential hazards that you need to be aware of such as staying away from water resources or not to use indoors)
Pesticides impact our lives in many ways, by improving food and feed yields and quality, protecting public health, and controlling pests in our homes, public swimming pools, turf, waterways, forests, right-of-ways, and beyond. Although pesticides play a critical role in controlling pests, they are just one component of a complete pest control program. Remember, using pesticides safely is essential to protecting us, the environment, and our natural resources.
For more information on National Pesticide Safety Education Month, visit their website or email the Penn State Extension Pesticide Education Program at pesticide@psu.edu.
–Penn State Extension