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Know When, Know How
A home gardener's guide to pesticides
Pesticides serve a useful purpose, protecting us from pests which spread disease, cause injury, and damage plants. But they can hurt the environment if not handled carefully.
Use pesticides wisely. Use only what you need. Rinse sprayers and containers and apply the rinse water to the target site. Throw only triple rinsed containers in the trash.
Buying Home and Garden Pesticides
Be a smart shopper. Buy and use only what you need. You won't only save money, you'll protect the environment too!
- Identify the pest you need to control. For assistance, ask your retailer or contact the Extension Service.
- Find a product which will control the problem pest. Read the instructions carefully.
- Calculate the amount of product you'll need and purchase. Then apply the proper amount don't overuse.
- Save any leftover pesticide for future use. Keep out of reach of children.
Mixing Liquid Pesticides
Before you begin, select an area on the lawn or open ground to mix pesticides.
Do not mix on a hard surface or concrete.
- Always read the label before you begin to measure.
- Put on the proper equipment like rubber gloves before opening the package.
- Measure the proper amount of product required. Do not overuse!
- Add the product to the sprayer filled with 2/3 of the amount of water needed.
Rinse measuring device, capturing rinse water in the sprayer. Fill to required amount and spray.
Applying Pesticides
Careful application can prevent pesticides from entering our waterways.
Remember to read the directions carefully before you begin and water-in
pesticides only if required on the label.
- Apply to the target areas or plants only. Do not apply to sidewalks, driveways or other hard surfaced areas.
- Take care to direct the spray or granules on the lawn or target plant. Clean up any spills on sidewalks or driveways
- If the product applied must be watered-in, apply enough water to move the pesticide into the ground. Stop watering when puddling occurs.
- Avoid run-off. This is one of the most direct ways pesticides enter our waterways. Do not apply pesticides if heavy rainfall is anticipated. Do not create run-off by over watering.
Disposing of Pesticide Containers
Keep pesticides out of the dump and drain! Follow the directions below for empty liquid pesticide containers. Empty packages of dry pesticides completely, then fold and throw into the trash.
- Empty and use all the contents of the container. Fill 1/2 full with water and shake to rinse.
- Empty rinse water into sprayer. Rinse three times. Do not insert a hose into the container! Pour the water in.
- Use the rinse water for your application. DO NOT POUR IT DOWN THE DRAIN!
- Wrap the container in newspaper and throw in the trash. Do not recycle!
Disposing of Unwanted Pesticides
Before moving any old pesticide container, make sure you are wearing rubber gloves for protection. If containers have no labels, and contents are not known, handle with great care.
- If the container is leaking, place in a heavy duty plastic bag and seal.
- DO NOT put unwanted pesticides in the trash. Share leftover gardening pesticides with a
gardening friend or take to a local hazardous waste collection day in your area.
- Watch your paper for a local hazardous waste collection day announcement.
- Carefully collect and bring your containers to the collection center.
Take unwanted pesticides to hazardous waste collection days in your city
- Hazardous waste collection days aren't just for pesticides.
- They are for any hazardous wastes you may have around the house.
- You can dispose of pesticides, paints, solvents, etc... safely at this event.
- Locations are announced in the newspaper.
