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Herbicide and Pesticide Safety

Jimmy Graham

By Jimmy Graham
Updated December 10, 2024

The more you know about herbicides and pesticides, the safer you and your family will be. This how-to is a must-read for anyone purchasing or using these products. The most important thing to do for herbicide and pesticide safety, however, is read the herbicide or pesticide label before use.

Practicing Herbicide and Pesticide Safety

Pesticides are created to eliminate unwanted animals, insects or other pests. Herbicides are produced to control weeds and other unwanted vegetation. You may ask “is an herbicide a pesticide?” The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses the term pesticide to include both types of products. While they are extremely helpful, they can also be dangerous to humans, pets and beneficial insects such as bees and other pollinators.

Whether synthetic or organic in origin, you should treat all pesticides with caution. Always read the labels carefully, following all of the procedures and precautions. Here are some important safety tips for handling pesticides.

 

Safe Pesticide Preparation

  • When purchasing, keep pesticides separated in the shopping cart. Bag them separately.
  • Cover exposed skin as directed by the instructions. Wear long sleeves, long pants, rubber shoes, a respirator and safety goggles. When gloves are recommended, wear unlined chemical or waterproof gloves. Cloth or leather gloves are absorbent and only accelerate and extend skin contact.
  • Remember that the greatest risk to the user occurs when mixing concentrated chemicals. Use extra care as the main danger is from exposure to skin.
  • Before using, remove children, pets and any toys from the area.
  • Do not transfer chemicals to another storage container. Never use food or beverage containers.
  • If you're using a sprayer or a spreader, make sure it's calibrated correctly. Wash it thoroughly after each use. It's a good idea to have separate sprayers for different chemicals such as insecticides and herbicides.

Safe Pesticide Application

People often ask "when should pesticides be applied?". Mornings or late evenings are the best time of day due to cooler temps and low winds. Also, keep an eye on the weather as you shouldn’t apply right before possible rain as it can wash away the treatment. Other safe application tips:

  • Spray indoors only if the area is well ventilated and the pesticide is made for indoor use.
  • Wash hands thoroughly after use, especially before eating, drinking or smoking.
  • Use extra caution if anyone in your family has allergies or asthma.
  • Use repellents with caution, especially those applied on children.
  • Clothing can absorb mists. When cleaning up after using pesticides (including repellents) wash all clothing separately.
  • Peel or wash thoroughly any affected fruits and vegetables before eating.

Tip

Here are some steps you can take for pesticide skin irritation at home to alleviate the symptoms:

  • Immediately take off any clothing that has come into contact with the pesticide.
  • Use soap and cool water to thoroughly wash the skin. Avoid harsh scrubbing as it can increase absorption of the pesticide.
  • If the pesticide got into your eyes, rinse them with clean water for at least 15 minutes.
  • Do not apply lotions, fats, or butter to the affected area. Also, avoid breaking any blisters or removing loose skin.
  • If the irritation persists or if you experience severe symptoms, seek medical attention and bring the pesticide label or name with you.

Herbicides, Pesticides and Pets

You might not realize it but pet flea and tick treatments, whether applied internally or externally, are considered pesticides. It is important to take precautions when treating your pets or applying pesticides to your lawn. Make sure to follow all manufacturers and veterinarian directions.

Remember to protect your pets when using pesticides. Remove them from any area that's being treated and keep them away until it's safe to return (this information should be on the product label). Don't store any pesticide near your pet's food or water, nor near their kennel or other personal space.

Keep pet emergency contact information close by, just as you do for your other family members.

Storage and Disposal of Herbicides and Pesticides

Over time you may acquire a few pesticides and herbicides that you may not fully use up or they become out of date. Use the following tips to learn how to store and dispose of these containers.

Where Should Pesticides Be Stored?

  • Plan ahead and buy and mix only what you need. Some pesticides lose potency over time, especially in freeze/thaw areas.
  • When not in use, keep chemicals sealed in childproof pesticide storage containers and locked in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Keep them away from children's reach.
  • Store away from pilot lights or flames.
  • Keep metal storage containers clean and dry to prevent corrosion.
  • Keep pesticides away from food, water and other garden supplies such as fertilizer.

How to Dispose of Herbicides & Pesticides

  • Use your community household hazardous waste collection program.
  • Follow the instructions on the label for storage or disposal of unused herbicides and pesticides.
  • Do not put leftover herbicides and pesticides into the garbage or pour them down the drain.
  • Do not reuse empty herbicide or pesticide containers.

Preventing Insect Pests In Your Home

Insect pests are persistent and opportunistic, but there are several things you can do to prevent or reduce their presence inside the house.

Block Their Entry

  1. Seal crevices and cracks.
  2. Repair window screens. 
  3. Use a drain screen in sinks. 
  4. Keep shrubs trimmed and lawn free of debris. 
  5. Purge standing water outdoors. 

Eliminate Attractions 

  1. Clean up crumbs and spills. 
  2. Empty and cover trash cans. 
  3. Seal and store food properly. 
  4. Rinse containers before putting into a recycling bin.