Safe Pesticide Use Around the Home

Pests are at their peak during the summer. When used correctly, pesticides can effectively eliminate pests without harm to humans or the environment. However, pesticide misuse is a common problem with consumers.

Follow these recommendations to avoid pesticide misuse and to keep your family and the environment safe.

• Know the pest. Home gardeners who have pest problems often do not know what type of pest is causing the problem. Insects differ from mites, spiders and other pests. Problems on some plants may actually result from foliar diseases instead of pests. For example, vegetables can suffer from a fungus, bacteria or virus.
  Some pesticides are very specific in what they will control. What works well to control one pest does not necessarily mean it will work for another pest. For example, Kelthane is a miticide formulated exclusively to control mites. This pesticide will not control bagworms. Sevin dust is an insecticide; it will not control leaf spot on cucumbers. Leaf spots are best controlled with fungicides. During unusual weather, deformities in plants may occur, mimicking a disease. Know the pest before applying a pesticide.
• Can you live with some pest damage? Is it really worth spraying an entire vegetable garden or lawn for a few weeds? Hand-picking may be a valid alternative for removal of bagworms on juniper, especially if there is a small population infesting the plants. Tomatoes that have early blight at the end of the season may not need to be sprayed for the final harvest. Leaf spot, such as anthracnose, is a common disorder on maple and oak. The fungus rarely kills large trees.
• Choose the least toxic pesticide to control the insect or other pests. If using a pesticide is the only practical method of controlling the pest, be sure to use the least toxic. Consult the label or contact your local Cooperative Extension Center to determine which is least toxic.
• Read the label and follow instructions to the letter. Pesticide rates will vary depending on the type of pest to be controlled. Never use more than the recommended rates. The label is the final word on how to use the pesticide. There will be a phone number on the label for more detailed instructions or emergency information concerning the pesticide.
• Contact your local Cooperative Extension Center for answers to questions concerning the use of pesticides around the home or garden.