Pesticide Safety

A pesticide is any substance intended for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest. Pests can be insects, rodents, weeds or even germs. When used improperly, pesticides can harm people, pets and the environment.

• Read and follow all product instructions.
• Wear protective clothing (long sleeve shirt, pants, closed toe shoes) and any recommended equipment required by the label.
• Mix pesticides outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
• Mix only what you need to use in the short term to avoid storing or disposing of excess.
• Remove all toys and pet dishes from the yard before applying. Do not allow children and pets in the yard until the product fully dries or settles.
• When spraying pesticides indoors, make sure the area is well ventilated.
• When applying pesticides as a spray or dust outside, avoid windy conditions and close the doors/windows to your home.
• Make sure all products are closed and tightly sealed. Store out of sight and out of reach of children and pets.
• Store products in their original containers with the complete product label. Never put chemicals in food or beverage containers.
• Before coming inside, remove your shoes to avoid tracking in contaminated soil.
• Wash hands after using any of these products.
• Remove the clothing you wore when applying pesticides. Wash the clothing separately from family laundry.

For more information about choosing and using a pesticide safely, visit the National Pesticide Information Center.