How to Apply Garden Pesticide Safely
Pesticides are products that are used to control pests. When working with these chemicals it is important to follow proper safety precautions to avoid injury to humans, pets and your garden plants. It is a good idea to wear gloves when working with pesticides; you may also want to put on safety glasses to avoid chemicals accidentally getting sprayed in your eyes.
- Read the label from top to bottom. You will want to read all instructions and precautions before you begin using the product.
- Check the sprayer. You will want to make sure your sprayer is working properly before each use.
- Be exact when mixing or diluting. Follow instructions exactly when you are mixing the product. Do not mix or add more or less than called for. This could harm your plants, rather than help them.
- Rinse anything used to measure thoroughly.
- Spray your plants evenly. You should spray upper and undersides of leaves and you should be able to see the moisture on the leaves. Be sure you are spraying an even layer on all the plants.
- Empty the contents of the tank completely. There should not be any left-over mixture stored in the tank. Saving it for use at another time is not a good idea, as it will not be as effective and it can be dangerous to leave the mixed chemicals where someone could get into it not knowing what it is.
- Clean the tank. Do this in a dirt area. Never clean the tank in a sink or on cement. Clean the tank a few separate times. Squirt clean water through at least 3 to 4 times to ensure that it is cleaned.
- Store the pesticides in the container it came in. Be sure the package is tightly closed. Store it in a cool, dry place, where children or pets will not be able to get into it.
- Empty containers should be washed three times and then can be thrown out with household trash.
- Wash your hands after using pesticides.