Summer time is a fun time. It is the time for cookouts, picnics, family get-togethers, ball games, and a host of other outdoor activities. Unfortunately, summer is also the time we have to deal with many of those outside pests that make life so uncomfortable. Pests such as insects, diseases, weeds, and occasional critters in the yard often cause such a severe problem that we realize we have to do something to control them.

When we are faced with the need to control almost any kind of pest, the first thing that comes to mind is "what can I spray to kill them?" The first thing we should think about is what can I do or how can I change the pests's environment to control them without the use of pesticides. If there is no other option, pesticides may be needed.

Since using pesticides can be dangerous, I would like to share the following information with our farmers and farmworkers who are using pesticides almost on a daily basis. More importantly, I would like to share this information with the other folks in the county who may be using pesticides only occasionally and are, therefore, not as aware of the dangers and do not have as much experience in applying pesticides as do our farmers.

Always read the label on pesticide containers and follow all instructions exactly. If you have any questions about the selection or use of a pesticide, please call one of the agricultural agents at the Robeson County Center of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at (910) 671-3276 for assistance.

Do not use pesticides around children or their toys or around pets. If the pesticide is applied properly according to the label, make sure the area is completely dry before allowing children to play.

Always close pesticide containers tightly and keep them out of the reach of children. Actually, all pesticides should be stored where they can be locked up.

Pesticides should always be kept in their original container with the label intact. Never, never, never pour pesticides into an empty food, drink, or medicine container or any other unlabeled container. If they do gain access to pesticides stored in the wrong containers, children may think it is a soft drink instead of a deadly chemical.

After using pesticides, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. It is also a good idea to take a shower as soon after using pesticides as possible. Place the clothes you were using while applying the pesticides in the washer by themselves, rinse once, and then wash thoroughly with hot water. Never reuse empty pesticide containers for any other use. Above all, never use a pesticide that has been given to you unless it can be positively identified and is still in the original container.

The Carolinas Poison Center has a toll-free phone number, 1-800- 848-6946, that can be used for all emergencies. This number is most likely in your phone book, but you may want to write it in large numbers on the front of the phone book or where you keep your other emergency phone numbers. If you are a victim or if you need to assist someone who has a life-threatening emergency because of exposure or ingestion of a pesticide, you should call 911 first.

Most pesticides, especially those that can be purchased by homeowners, should be safe to use as long as they are used according to the label instructions. However, it is very important that you are aware of the dangers associated with pesticides and also make sure you teach your children about these dangers.

There have been several cases in past years that farmworkers, homeowners, or children have been injured or killed because of the improper use of pesticides. Let me encourage you to be responsible and use pesticides properly. We don't need another statistic in Robeson County related to pesticide poisoning.

E-mail address: Everett_Davis@ncsu.edu

Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 2280
Lumberton, NC 28359-2280

Phone: 910-671-3276
Fax: 910-671-6278

Date Created 09/13/01