Plant Pathology Infobytes
January 22, 1999
Garden Pesticides - Better Safe than Sorry!
Pesticides are frequently used by homeowners to protect their landscape plants, vegetables, and fruit crops from damaging disease, insect, and weed pests. These pesticides (fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides) provide reliable results when used in a responsible manner. However, when used in a careless manner, serious problems may be the result.
Although it's a bit early for gardening, it's not too early to begin laying out your pest control plan for the upcoming season. Not only will you gain additional insight on how to obtain the best pest control results, but the additional information you pick up could become very important from a personal safety standpoint.
Whenever you plan to apply your next pesticide, take the time to read the pesticide label. One of the first things to look for is an indication of product toxicity. Pesticide labels have signal words to let the user know about their toxicity rating.
- DANGER--POISON (The words are in red and usually accompanied by a skull and crossbones symbol.) These are the most toxic pesticides and should be handled with EXTREME CARE. Pesticide products approved for homeowner use generally do not fall into this category. If you have a pesticide container with skull and crossbones symbols, check with your County Extension Office for further information. Remember: these are extremely hazardous products and have no place in the home pesticide storage area.
- WARNING--These are moderately toxic materials. However, they should still be handled with care and respect.
- CAUTION--This designation indicates the least risk (the lowest toxicity) when used as directed. These products are slightly toxic materials but are still poisonous and should be handled accordingly.
There's a lot more information on the pesticide label you should become familiar with, such as the need for protective clothing, whether protective eye goggles should be worn, and similar "need-to-know" facts which make pesticide application a lot safer.
Always follow label directions precisely when using any chemical, and for safety's sake, read the label in the store. It's a good idea to buy the least toxic product for the job. And, once again, read the label, follow the directions to the "T" -- it's a lot better to be safe than sorry.
Infobytes newsletter was written by the late Dr. Frank Killebrew, Extension Specialist.