Common hazardous ingredients
Some pesticides banned from household use: aldrin; aresenates; chlordane; chlorpyrifos; creosote; cyanides; DBCP; DDT; diazinon; dieldrin; heptachlor; kepone; lindane; mirex; pentachlorophenol (PCP); silvex; sodium arsenite; 2, 4, 5-T and toxaphene.
Potential hazards
Poisoning from repeated exposure. Exposure can occur through skin absorption, breathing in, or swallowing. Harmful to eyes and skin. Can be toxic to pets, beneficial insects, birds, animals and fish, even in small amounts. Air pollutant.
Pesticide spray buffer zones of varying widths are required around bodies of water to protect specific endangered and threatened fish species. Contact the Oregon Department of Agriculture for more information.
Use
If you choose to use a chemical, use the least toxic one possible and always make spot rather than broad applications. Use insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, microbial insecticides, beneficial nematodes and desiccating dusts in place of toxic synthetic pesticides as appropriate to a specific problem. Use all of these products only according to label directions.
- Do not buy more than you can use in one or two gardening seasons.
- Avoid wearing soft contact lenses, which can absorb pesticides.
- Keep children and pets away from all areas where pesticides have been applied.
- Cover all exposed skin and wear chemical splash goggles, a respirator and heavy rubber or nitrile gloves.
- After using a pesticide, wash your hands and exposed skin areas before eating.
- Wash pesticide-contaminated clothing separately from other clothing.
- When a room is treated with pesticides, leave the room for as long as recommended by the label. Later, open all windows and allow the room to air out and wash contaminated surfaces.
Storage
Always store unused pesticides in their original containers, then store inside a sealed, plastic container or a metal container with a lid. Clearly label the container. Do not store near food. Store in a secure area away from children and pets. Do not store metal containers in wet areas.
Disposal
Best: If the pesticide is not expired, banned or restricted, use up according to the label or give to a responsible person who will. Contact your Oregon State University County Extension Office if you are unsure.
Empty pesticide containers made of plastic or glass or with plastic or foil liners should be triple-rinsed with water. Use rinse water as regular strength pesticide according to label directions. Wrap empty container in newspaper and dispose in the garbage.
Second best or best if a banned or restricted use pesticide: Take to a hazardous waste facility or collection event.
Pesticides should never be burned, buried, mixed together, poured on the ground, dumped in the water, poured down the drain or put in the garbage.
Alternatives
Find tips for garden pests and plant diseases, or tips for household pests.