How Can I Be Sure I'm Using Garden Pesticides Safely And Correctly?

Have you been making sure that chemicals are the only option that will help your garden before using them?

Have you been identifying the cause of the problem in your garden before using chemicals?

Have you been familiarizing with the pests, weeds, or fungi life cycle before using pesticides?

Have you been checking the product label of the chemical before buying?

Have you ever used pesticides during windy or rainy days?

If you've been spraying edible plants, did you check the instructions for harvest interval?

When applying the chemical, have you been following instructions to the letter?

Have you been applying pesticides thoroughly?

Have you been making sure that all parts of your body are protected from direct contact?

Have you been making sure no children or pets are nearby when spraying chemicals?

Have you been spraying open blooms?

Have you been you making sure there is no open water contamination?

Have you been mixing different chemicals?

Are you using separate equipment for different types of pesticides?

Are you storing chemicals at the safe place after use?

Have you been cleaning equipment thoroughly after use?

Before any pesticide use, you should make sure that pesticides are the only option. Always try with non-chemical control first, and if that does not work think about using chemicals.

Before any actual use of pesticides you need to be sure what exactly is causing problems in your garden so you don't use the wrong type of chemical.

You need to know about the life cycle of the pest so you can apply chemicals at the right time and place. If you apply a pesticide at the wrong time or the wrong place in the garden, your endeavor will be ineffective.

Always check specifications of a chemical you are planning to use. Some pesticides have restrictions as they can only be applied to young plants or something similar.

Do not use pesticides in wet, windy, completely calm, or hot sunny weather, or when plants are suffering from drought. Spray in the early morning, late afternoon or evening.

When spraying an edible plant, check that the pesticide is suitable for that plant and note the instructions for the period that must be left between treatment and harvest (harvest interval) and the maximum number of applications permitted per growing season.

Understand and adhere to the label, especially the parts related to safety before using any chemical, read the instructions carefully, and apply as directed.

Dilute chemicals as directed on the label and at specified intervals. Spray plants thoroughly, including stems, buds, and the underside of leaves but without excessive run-off or drift.

Make sure that no part of your body comes in the contact with the pesticide directly, especially mouth and eyes. Do not smoke, eat, or drink while applying pesticides. Wash after using pesticides.

Make sure no children or pets are nearby when spraying and keep them away until the foliage is dry.

Do not spray open blooms (including flowering weeds) because of the danger to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.

Contamination of water must be avoided. Fish and other wildlife in ponds, ditches, streams, etc, are susceptible to pesticides.

Do not mix different chemicals for simultaneous spraying unless the manufacturer’s instructions state that this is permissible.

Use separate equipment for the application of herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides.

Store chemicals safely in a cool, dark, frost-proof place, preferably in a locked container where children and pets cannot gain access. The chemicals must be kept in their original containers with the tops firmly closed.

Good work! You are using pesticides correctly and safely.

Clean equipment thoroughly after use.