|
 |
|
Dos and Don'ts of Pest Control
Do try pest prevention first:
- Remove sources of food, water and shelter.
- Check tips and resources for ideas on preventing pests.
Do safely and correctly use pesticides:
- Use baits as a first line of chemical defense against insects or rodents.
- Other chemicals, generally, should only be applied to cracks and crevices,
not sprayed over the whole room. Use fogging devices only when absolutely
necessary.
- Always read and follow the pesticide label's instructions and safety
warnings.
- Use ready-to-use products (i.e., no mixing needed) whenever possible.
- If you hire any outside persons to help control pests, ask them to
find and correct the source of the problem before applying pesticides.
For example, you might have to repair a leaky toilet to remove a water
source. Ask them to use baits and crack and crevice treatments when
feasible.
- Only apply chemicals approved for use in homes; the label will list
where the chemical may be used; write down the name and EPA registration
number of any chemical used by someone you hire. You will need this
information if you decide to look up more information on the pesticide.
The pest control operator should be able to provide information about
the chemical, such as the material safety data sheet.
Do dispose of leftover pesticides and pesticide containers properly
- Read the label
to find out how to dispose of the pesticide and the container.
- Many communities have household hazardous waste collections that will
accept unwanted pesticides. Call your waste disposal authority for information
about your community.
Don't use outdoor chemicals indoors
- Many chemicals intended for use outdoors are dangerous to use indoors
because they will remain toxic longer inside than they would outdoors.
Don't assume that twice as much is better
- Always read and follow label directions.
- Using too much of a pesticide can endanger your family's health.
Don't transfer pesticides to other containers
- Store pesticides in their original containers.
- Only mix as much as you are going to use at one time if the pesticide
must be mixed with water.
- Children and others have been poisoned by accidentally consuming pesticides
stored in food or beverage containers
Don't use empty pesticide containers to store anything else
- No matter how well you wash the container, it could still contain
remnants of the pesticide and could harm someone
|
