How to Select Pesticides

Pesticides may be essential equipment in pest management, however via way of means of their nature, insecticides are toxic. Pesticide merchandise can pose dangers to humans, animals and the environment. Before deciding on a pesticide, it's far essential to examine and apprehend the guidelines at the product label. This will reduce your risk of getting a hassle with the pesticide as soon as you operate it.

To lessen risk, pick out pesticide merchandise with low toxicity via way of means of seeking out the "sign word" CAUTION. This is one of the center ideas in Integrated Pest Management. You also can look for pesticide merchandise registered to your state. The databases range via way of means of state, however they frequently let you look for a product via way of means of the pest to be controlled, via way of means of lively component and/or via way of means of product name.

When selecting pesticides, keep these important tips in mind:

Learn about the pest. Has it been properly identified by a professional or an expert? Time and money may be wasted due to misidentification.

Look for your pest on the label. Choose a product that is designed with your pest in mind. The pests that the product targets will be listed on the label.

Decide how much pest activity you can tolerate. It may not be possible to completely eliminate the pest, but you may be able to keep the population down to a comfortable level.

Consider the treatment area. Are there sensitive areas near the treatment area? Does the area slope towards a vulnerable area like a stream, garden, well, or playground? Are valuable plants nearby that could be affected by drift?

Select an effective product. Consider contacting a professional, such as your local extension office, for advice on which products will be best suited for your pest problem.

Look for the signal word. Products labeled "CAUTION" are low in toxicity, and some of the lowest toxicity products may not have a signal word.

Read about the required safety equipment. Make sure you use protective equipment if required by the label. This could include gloves, goggles, chemical resistant clothing, or other items.

Learn about the ingredients of the products. Does it target a specific pest group or a broad range of pest groups? Call NPIC and speak to one of our Pesticide Specialists for more information.

Buy only what you need this season; mix only what you need today. Pesticides may have a limited shelf life, and stored pesticides can be a hazard.

Read the entire label every time you use the product. Following the label will reduce risks and allow the product to work as the manufacturer intended.