Contents i 

Contents

Foreword ..................................... 1 

Introduction ................................... 2 

Pests, Pest Control, and Pesticides .................. 3 

Pest Management ............................................................................... 3 

First Steps in Pest Management ....................................................... 4 

Preventing Pests ................................ 6 

Indoor Prevention .............................................................................. 6 

Outdoor Prevention ........................................................................... 7 

u Gardening .................................................................................... 7 

u Lawn Care .................................................................................. 8 

Using Non-Chemical Pest Controls ................ 11

Biological Controls ........................................................................... 11 

Manual Methods .............................................................................. 12 

Using Chemical Pest Controls .................... 13 

Choosing the Right Pesticide Product .......................................... 14 

Reading the Pesticide Label ............................................................ 16 

Determining the Correct Amount To Use ................................... 18 

Using Pesticides Safely and Correctly .......................................... 19 

u Before Using a Pesticide .......................................................... 19 

u When Mixing or Applying a Pesticide ................................. 19 

Indoor Applications ............................................................. 20 

Outdoor Applications ......................................................... 21 

u After Applying a Pesticide ..................................................... 22 

Storing and Disposing of Pesticides Properly ............................. 23 

u Safe Storage of Pesticides ....................................................... 23 

u Safe Disposal of Pesticides ..................................................... 24 
ii Contents

Reducing Your Exposure 

When Others Use Pesticides ...................... 26 

Exposure Through Food ................................................................. 26 

u Commercial Food ..................................................................... 26 

u Home-Grown Food .................................................................. 27 

u Food from the Wild ................................................................. 27 

Exposure Through Water .............................................................. 28 

Exposure Through Air .................................................................... 28 

u Outdoors .................................................................................... 28 

u Indoors ....................................................................................... 29 

Poisoned by Pesticides: 

Don’t Let This Happen to Your Child! ............... 30 

Handling a Pesticide Emergency .................. 32 

First Aid for Pesticide Poisoning .................................................... 33 

What To Do After First Aid ........................................................... 34 

How To Recognize Pesticide Poisoning ....................................... 35 

Choosing a Pest Control Company ................. 36 

Reference Section ............................. 39 

Calculating the Correct Amount of Pesticide 

To Use for Your Target Area ..................................................... 39 

For More Information ...................................................................... 42 

EPA Addresses .................................................................................. 44 

u EPA Headquarters ....................................................................... 44 

u EPA Regional Offices .................................................................. 44 

u State Lead Agencies for Pesticide Regulation ......................... 45 

Index ........................................ 49 
Foreword 1

Foreword 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is charged with 

ensuring that pesticides do not pose unreasonable risks to the 

public and to the environment. EPA regulates the use of pesticides 

under the authority of two laws—the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, 

and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the Federal Food, Drug and 

Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). Most pesticides may legally be sold in 

the United States if they have been “registered” by EPA and if they 

bear an EPA registration number. Federal pesticide registration, 

however, is only the first step in preventing pesticide risks. Just as 

important are the steps that consumers take to control pests and use 

pesticides safely. EPA hopes that this booklet will help you do just that. 
2 Introduction

Introduction 

SOONER OR LATER, we’re all pestered by pests. Whether 

it’s ants in the kitchen or weeds in the vegetable garden, pests can 

be annoying and bothersome. At the same time, many of us are 

concerned that the pesticides we use to control pests can cause 

problems too. How can pests be controlled safely? When and how 

should pesticides be used? 

This booklet is intended to help answer these questions. The 

questions have no single right answer, but Citizen’s Guide to Pest

Control and Pesticide Safety gives the information you need to make 

informed decisions. You should be able to control pests without 

risking your family’s health and without harming the environment. 

The major goals of this booklet are to help you understand—

u What steps to take to control pests in and around your home. 

u What alternatives to chemical pesticides are available, including 

pest prevention and non-chemical pest controls. 

u How to choose pesticides and how to use, 

store, and dispose of them safely. 

u How to reduce your exposure when others 

use pesticides. 

u How to choose a pest control company. 

u What to do if someone is poisoned by a 

pesticide. 

Did you know that these common 

household products are pesticides? 

4 Cockroach sprays and baits. 

4 Insect sprays and wasp repellents 

for indoor use. 

4 Insect repellents for personal use. 

4 Termite control products. 

4 Rat and other rodent poisons. 

4 Flea and tick sprays, powders, and 

pet collars. 

4 Kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants 

and sanitizers, including bleach. 

4 Products to kill mold and mildew. 

4 Lawn and garden products such as 

weed killers. 

4 Swimming pool chemicals, including those 

that kill algae. 

4 Repellents that keep deer, raccoons, or 

rabbits away from your garden. 
Pests, Pest Control, and Pesticides 3

Pests, Pest Control, 

and Pesticides 

PLANTS, insects, mold, mildew, rodents, bacteria, and other 

organisms are a natural part of the environment. They can benefit 

people in many ways. But they can also be pests. Apartments and 

houses are often hosts to common pests such as cockroaches, fleas, 

termites, ants, mice, rats, mold, or mildew. Weeds, hornworms, 

aphids, and grubs can be a nuisance outdoors when they get into 

your lawn, flowers, yard, vegetable garden, or fruit and shade trees. 

Pests can also be a health hazard to you, your family, and your pets. 

It’s easy to understand why you may need and want to control them. 

Nowadays, you can choose from many different methods as you 

plan your strategy for controlling pests. Sometimes a non-chemical

method of control is as effective and convenient as a chemical

alternative. For many pests, total elimination is almost impossible, 

but it is possible to control them. Knowing your options is the key 

to pest control. Methods available to you include pest prevention, 

non-chemical pest controls, and chemical pesticides. Each of these 

methods will be described in more detail in the next three sections of 

this booklet (starting on pages 6, 11, and 13). 

Pest Management 

The most effective strategy for controlling pests

may be to combine methods in an approach

known as integrated pest management

(IPM) that emphasizes preventing

pest damage. In IPM, information 

about pests and available pest 

control methods is used to manage 

pest damage by the most economical 

means and with the least possible 

hazard to people, property, and the 

environment. An example of using 

the IPM approach for lawn care is 

presented in the next section of this 

booklet titled “Preventing Pests.” 

Some signs of pest infestation are unmistakable. 
4 Pests, Pest Control, and Pesticides

Knowing a range of pest control methods gives you the ability to 

choose among them for an effective treatment. Knowing the options 

also gives you the choice of limiting your exposure to potentially 

harmful chemicals. No matter what option you choose, you should 

follow these steps to control your pest problem: 

First Steps in Pest Management 

1Identify the pest problem. This is the first and most important 

step in pest control—figuring out exactly what you’re up 

against. Some pests (or signs of them) are unmistakable—most 

people recognize a cockroach or a mouse. Other signs that 

make you think “pest” can be misleading. For example, what 

may look like a plant “disease” may be, in fact, a sign of poor soil 

or lack of water. 

Use free sources to help identify your pest and to learn the most 

effective methods to control it. These sources include library 

reference books (such as insect field guides or gardening books) 

and pest specialists at your County Cooperative Extension 

Service or local plant nurseries. These resources are usually 

listed in the telephone book. Also, state university Web sites have 

residential pest control information. 

2Decide how much pest control is necessary. Pest control is 

not the same as pest elimination. Insisting on getting rid of all 

pests inside and outside your home will lead you to make 

more extensive, repeated, and possibly hazardous chemical 

treatments than are necessary. Be reasonable. Ask yourself 

these questions: 

u Does your lawn really need to be totally weed free? 

u Recognizing that some insects are beneficial to your lawn, 

do you need to get rid of all of them? 

u Do you need every type of fruit, vegetable, or flower you 

grow, or could you replace ones that are sensitive to pests 

with hardier substitutes? 

u Can you tolerate some blemished fruits and vegetables 

from your garden? 

u Is anyone in your home known to be particularly sensitive 

to chemicals? 
Pests, Pest Control, and Pesticides 5

3Choose an effective option. Use the information gathered in 

Step 1, your answers to the questions in Step 2, and guidance in 

the sections titled “Preventing Pests,” “Using Non-Chemical Pest 

Controls,” and “Using Chemical Pest Controls” to determine 

which option you want to choose. If you’re still uncertain, get 

further advice from the free sources listed in Step 1. 

4Evaluate the results. Once a pest control method has been 

chosen and implemented, always allow time for it to work and 

then evaluate its effectiveness by taking the following steps: 

u Compare pre-treatment and post-treatment conditions. Is 

there evidence of a clear reduction in the number of pests? 

u Weigh the benefits of short-term chemical pesticide control 

against the benefits of long-term control using a 

variety of other treatments, including nonchemical methods. 

It’s easier to prevent pests than to control them. 

You may not need to worry about the four pest 

control steps just mentioned IF you make the 

effort to prevent pests in the first place. 

The first step in pest control is to 

identify the pest. 
6 Preventing Pests

Preventing Pests 

PESTS SEEK PLACES TO LIVE that satisfy basic needs for air, 

moisture, food, and shelter. The best way to control pests is to try to 

prevent them from entering your home or garden in the first place. 

You can do this by removing the elements that they need to survive. 

Take the following preventive actions: 

Indoor Prevention 

u Remove water. All living things, including pests, need water for 

survival. Fix leaky plumbing, and do not let water accumulate 

anywhere in or around your home. For example, do not leave 

any water in trays under your houseplants, under your 

refrigerator, or in buckets overnight. Remove or dry out waterdamaged and wet materials. Even dampness or high humidity 

can attract pests. 

u Remove food. Store your food in sealed 

glass or plastic containers, and keep your 

kitchen clean and free from cooking grease 

and oil. Do not leave food in pet bowls on 

the counter or floor for long periods of time. 

Put food scraps or refuse in tightly covered, 

animal-proof garbage cans, and empty your 

garbage frequently. 

u Remove or block off indoor pest hiding places. Caulk cracks 

and crevices to control pest access. Bathe pets regularly and 

wash any mats or surfaces they lie on to control fleas. Avoid 

storing newspapers, paper bags, and boxes for long 

periods of time. Also, check for pests in packages or 

boxes before carrying them into your home. 

u Block pest entryways. Install screens on all floor 

drains, windows, and doors to discourage 

crawling and flying pests from 

entering your home. Make 

sure any passageways 

through the floor are blocked. 

Place weatherstripping 

on doors and windows. 

Caulk and seal openings 

in walls. Keep doors shut 

when not in use. 

Pests need water to survive. Fix 

leaky pipes. 

Store food in sealed containers. 
Preventing Pests 7

Outdoor Prevention 

u Remove or destroy outdoor pest hiding places. Remove piles 

of wood from under or around your home to avoid attracting 

termites and carpenter ants. Destroy diseased plants, tree 

prunings, and fallen fruit that may harbor pests. Rake fallen 

leaves. Keep vegetation, shrubs, and wood mulch at least 

18 inches away from your house. 

u Remove breeding sites. Clean up pet droppings 

from your yard; they attract flies that can spread 

bacteria. Do not accumulate litter or garbage; 

it draws mice, rats, and other 

rodents. Drain off or sweep away 

standing puddles of water; water 

is a breeding place for mosquitos 

and other pests. Make sure drain 

pipes and other water sources 

drain away from your house. 

u Take proper care of all outdoor plants. These include flowers, 

fruit and shade trees, vegetable and other plants, and your 

lawn. Good plant health care reduces pest control needs— 

healthy plants resist pests better than do weak plants. Plant at 

the best time of year to promote healthy growth. Use mulch 

to reduce weeds and maintain even soil temperature and 

moisture. Water adequately. Native flowers, shrubs, and 

trees often are good choices because they adapt well to local 

conditions and require minimal care. 

Gardening 

u Select healthy seeds and seedlings that are known to resist 

diseases and are suited to the climate where you live. Strong 

seeds are likely to produce mature plants with little need 

for pesticides. 

u If your garden is large, alternate rows of different kinds of 

plants. Pests that prefer one type of vegetable (carrots, for 

example) may not spread to every one of your carrot plants if 

other vegetables (not on the pests’ diet) are planted in the 

neighboring rows. 

u Don’t plant the same crop in the same spot year after year. 

That way your plants are not as vulnerable to pests that survive 

the winter. 

u Make sure your garden plot has good drainage. Raised beds 

will improve drainage, especially of clay soils. If a heavy clay 

soil becomes compacted, it does not allow air and water to 

get to the roots easily, and plants struggle to grow. To loosen 

Remove breeding sites. 

Clean up litter or garbage. 
8 Preventing Pests

compacted soil and create air spaces so that water and nutrients 

can reach the roots, buy or rent a tiller that breaks up the dirt 

 and turns it over. Before planting, add sand and 

 organic matter to enrich the soil mixture in your 

 garden plot. Also, have the soil tested periodically 

 to see whether you need to add more organic 

 matter or adjust the pH (acidity/alkalinity) 

 balance by adding lime or sulfur. Your 

 County Cooperative Extension Service, listed 

 in the telephone book, or local nursery should 

 be able to tell you how to do this. 

u Mulch your garden with leaves, hay, 

grass clippings, shredded/chipped bark, 

or seaweed. 

Lawn Care 

Tending a garden may not be your hobby; but if you rent or own a 

home, you might need to care for the lawn. You don’t have to be an 

expert to grow a healthy lawn. The key is to work with nature. You 

need to create the right conditions for your grass to grow strong and 

stay healthy. A healthy lawn can resist damage from weeds, disease, 

and insect pests. Set realistic weed and pest control goals for your lawn. 

Think of lawn care as a preventive health care program, like one 

you would follow to stay healthy yourself. The goal is to prevent 

problems from ever occurring. 

Pesticides can be effective but should not be relied on as the 

quick-fix solution to any lawn problem. Serious, ongoing pest 

problems are often a sign that your lawn is not getting what it needs 

to stay healthy. Pests may be a symptom of an underlying problem. 

You need to correct the underlying problem to reduce the chances of 

pests reappearing. 

Before planting, add organic matter to 

enrich the soil mixture in your garden plot. 
Preventing Pests 9

Make these six steps part of a preventive health care program

for your lawn:

1 Develop healthy soil that has the right pH balance, key

nutrients, and good texture. You can buy easy-to-use soil 

analysis kits at hardware stores or contact your local County 

Cooperative Extension Service for a soil analysis. 

2 Choose a type of grass that grows well in your climate. For 

instance, if your area gets very little rain, don’t plant a type of 

grass that needs a lot of water. Your local County Cooperative 

Extension Service can advise you on which grasses grow best 

in your area. 

3 Mow high, mow often, and make sure the lawn mower blades

are sharp. Grass that is slightly long makes a strong, healthy 

lawn with few pest problems. Weeds have a hard time taking 

root and growing when grass is fairly long (around 21⁄2 to 31⁄2 

inches for most types of grass). A foot-high meadow isn’t 

necessary; just adding an inch to the length of your grass will 

give most lawns a real boost. 

4 Water deeply but not too often. The best rule is to water only 

when the lawn begins to wilt from dryness—when the color 

dulls and footprints stay in the grass for more than a few 

seconds. Avoid watering during the hottest part of the day 

because the water will evaporate too quickly. 

5 Correct thatch buildup. Thatch is a layer of dead plant 

material between the grass blades and the soil. When 

thatch gets too thick (deeper than 3

/4 of an inch), it prevents 

water and nutrients from getting into the soil and reaching 

the roots of the grass. Overusing synthetic fertilizer can 

create a heavy layer of thatch, and some kinds of grass are 

prone to thatch buildup. 

Get rid of excess thatch by raking the 

lawn or using a dethatching rake. 
10 Preventing Pests

In a healthy lawn, earthworms, spiders, millipedes, and a variety 

of microorganisms help keep the thatch layer in balance by 

breaking it up and using it for food, which releases nutrients into 

the soil. You can get rid of excess thatch by raking the lawn 

using a dethatching rake or by using a machine that pulls plugs 

out of the grass and thatch layer to break it up. Sprinkle a thin 

layer of topsoil or compost over the lawn after dethatching or 

aerating it to speed up the process of decomposition. 

6 Set realistic weed and pest control goals. It is almost impossible 

to get rid of all weeds and pests. However, even a lawn that 

is 15 percent weeds can look almost weed-free to the casual 

observer. A healthy lawn will probably always have some 

weeds and some insect pests. But a healthy lawn will also have 

beneficial insects and other organisms like earthworms that keep 

pests under control. Improper use of pesticides can kill these 

beneficial organisms. 

By following this preventive health care program for your lawn, you 

should be able to rely very little, if at all, on chemical pesticides for 

weed and insect pest control. For additional information, refer to 

EPA’s booklet Healthy Lawn, Healthy Environment. (See page 42 in the 

Reference Section.) 

If you use the preventive techniques just 

described, you reduce the chance of 

pests ever getting into your home or 

garden in the first place.
Using Non-Chemical Pest Controls 11

Using Non-Chemical 

Pest Controls 

YOU’VE GOT PESTS, and you want to control them with a 

dependable pest control method that does not contain chemical 

pesticides. Non-chemical pest control methods really work, and 

they have many advantages. Compared to chemical treatments, 

non-chemical methods are generally effective for longer periods of 

time. They are less likely to create hardy pest populations that 

develop the ability to resist pesticides. And many non-chemical 

pest controls can be used with fewer safeguards, because they are 

generally thought to pose virtually no hazards to human health or 

the environment. Two examples of non-chemical pest control 

methods are biological and manual treatments. 

Biological Controls 

Did you know that pests themselves may be eaten or otherwise 

controlled by birds, insects, or other living organisms? You can 

use a pest’s natural enemies (predators) to your advantage. These 

“biological controls,” as they are called, take many forms: 

u Beneficial predators such as purple martins and other birds 

eat insects; bats can eat thousands of insects in one night; lady 

beetles (ladybugs) and their larvae eat aphids, mealybugs, 

whiteflies, and mites. Other beneficial bugs include spiders, 

centipedes, ground beetles, lacewings, dragonflies, big-eyed 

bugs, and ants. You can install a purple martin house in your 

yard. You can also buy and release predatory insects. They are 

available from sources such as gardening catalogs and magazines. 

Contact your County Cooperative Extension Service, a nursery, 

or a garden association for information on how to attract and 

protect beneficial predators. 

u Parasitoids such as miniature wasps lay their eggs inside the 

eggs or bodies of insect pests such as tomato hornworms. Once 

the eggs hatch, the offspring kill their insect hosts, making 

parasitoids highly effective pest controllers. 

Beneficial Predators 

CENTIPEDE 

LADYBUG 

PURPLE MARTIN 

SPIDER 

MINI-WASP 
12 Using Non-Chemical Pest Controls

u Microscopic pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, and viruses 

control pests. An example is milky spore disease, which 

attacks Japanese beetles. A number of these biological 

pesticides are available commercially at hardware and 

garden stores. (See page 43 in the Reference Section for 

more information.) 

u Biochemical pesticides include pheromones and juvenile 

insect hormones. Pheromones are chemical substances 

released by various organisms (including insects) as means 

of communicating with others of the same species, usually 

as an aid to mating. Pheromones lure pests inside a trap. 

Juvenile insect hormones interfere with an insect’s normal 

growth and reproductive functions by mimicking the effects 

of compounds that occur naturally in the pest. 

Manual Methods 

u Spading and hoeing to cut up weeds. 

u Hand-picking weeds from your lawn and pests from 

your plants, indoors or out. 

u Using a flyswatter. 

u Setting traps to control rats, mice, and some insects. 

u Mulching to reduce weed growth. 

One or a combination of several non-chemical treatments may 

be just what you need for your pest problem. You must be patient 

because results may not be immediate. And you must work to 

prevent pests from entering your home or garden in the first place. 

Pheromone traps lure pests. 
Using Chemical Pest Controls 13

Using Chemical 

Pest Controls 

IF YOU DECIDE that the best solution to your pest problem is 

chemical—by itself or, preferably, combined with non-chemical 

treatments—be aware that one of the greatest causes of pesticide 

exposure to humans is the use of pesticides in and around the home. 

Anyone can buy a wide variety of “off the shelf ” pesticide products 

to control weeds, unwanted insects, and other pests. No special 

training is required to use these pesticides. Yet, many of the products 

can be hazardous to people, especially when stored, handled, applied, 

or disposed of improperly. The results achieved by using chemical

pesticides are generally temporary, and repeated treatments may

be required. Over time, some pests become pesticide resistant, 

meaning they adapt to the chemical and are no longer harmed by 

it. This forces you to choose another product or method. If used 

incorrectly, home-use pesticide products can be poisonous 

to humans. As a result, it is extremely important for 

you to take responsibility for making sure that these 

products are used properly. The basic steps in 

reducing pesticide risks are— 

u Choosing the right pesticide product. 

u Reading the product label. 

u Determining the right amount to purchase 

and use. 

u Using the product safely and correctly. 

u Storing and disposing of pesticides properly. 

Each of these steps is described in more detail in 

the sections that follow. 

Choosing the right product is a basic step in 

reducing pesticide risks. 
14 Using Chemical Pest Controls

Choosing the Right Pesticide Product 

Once you decide to use chemical pesticides, you must decide whether 

to do the job yourself or hire a professional pest control service. If 

you are interested in hiring professionals, see pages 36–38 for advice. 

If you choose to tackle the job yourself, the next question is the most 

important. Which pesticide product is the best one for your situation? 

Home-use pesticides come in many forms—including solutions, 

aerosols, dusts, granules, baits, and wettable powders. As the name 

implies, wettable powders are usually mixed with water and/or 

other liquids and then applied. Pesticide solutions are often diluted 

with water. Certain formulations work better for some pests and/or 

some target areas than others. Many pesticides also come in ready-touse forms, such as aerosols and spray bottles, which are often 

more practical and easy to use because they don’t require measuring 

or mixing. 

Before you buy a product, read the label! Compare product labels, 

and learn as much as you can about the pesticide. Contact your 

County Cooperative Extension Service (listed in the telephone book), 

local pesticide dealers, the National Pesticide Information Center 

(NPIC) at 1-800-858-7378, or your state pesticide agency 

for assistance. (See pages 45–48 in the Reference Section for 

state contacts.) 

Read the label before you 

buy or use a pesticide product. 
Using Chemical Pest Controls 15

When you are ready to buy a pesticide product, follow these 

recommendations: 

u First, be certain that you have identified the problem correctly. 

Then, choose the least-toxic pesticide that will achieve 

the results you want and be the least toxic to you and the 

environment. 

u When the words “broad-spectrum” appear on the label, 

this means the product is effective against a broad range of 

pests. If the label says “selective,” the product is effective 

against one or a few pests. 

u Find the signal word—either Danger, Warning, or Caution

on the pesticide label. The signal word tells you how poisonous 

the product is to humans. (See page 16.) 

u Choose the form of pesticide (aerosol, dust, bait, or other) 

best suited to your target site and the pest you want to control. 

Choose the form of pesticide best

suited to your target site and the

pest you want to control.

DANGER means poisonous or corrosive. 

WARNING means moderately hazardous. 

CAUTION means least hazardous. 
16 Using Chemical Pest Controls

Reading the Pesticide Label 

The pesticide label is your best guide to using pesticides safely and 

effectively. The directions on the label are there primarily to help 

you achieve “maximum” benefits—the pest control that you desire— 

with “minimum” risk. Both depend on following label directions 

and correctly using the pesticide. Read the label. Read the label 

before buying the pesticide. Read the label before mixing or using the 

pesticide each time, and read the label before storing or disposing of 

the pesticide. Do not trust your memory. You may have forgotten 

part of the label instructions or they may have changed. Use of any 

pesticide in any way that is not consistent with label directions and 

precautions is illegal. It may also be ineffective and, even worse, 

dangerous. 

The main sections of a pesticide label are described below: 

1 EPA Registration Number. This number tells you that EPA 

has reviewed the product and determined that it can be used 

with minimal or low risk if you follow the directions on the label 

properly. The number is not a stamp of approval or guarantee 

of effectiveness. 

2Ingredients Statement or Active Ingredients. Active ingredients 

are the chemicals in the pesticide that kill or control the target pest(s). 

3 Signal Words. The signal words—Caution, Warning, or Danger— 

indicate the pesticide’s potential for making you sick. The word 

CAUTION appears on pesticides that are the least 

harmful to you. A pesticide with the word 

WARNING is more poisonous than those with 

a Caution label. Pesticides with the word DANGER

on the label are very poisonous or irritating. They 

should be used with extreme care because they 

can severely burn your skin and eyes. 

Main sections on front label. 
Using Chemical Pest Controls 17

4 Precautionary Statements. This part describes the protective 

clothing, such as gloves or goggles, that you should wear when 

using the pesticide. The section also tells you how to protect 

children or pets by keeping them away from areas treated 

with pesticides. 

5 Environmental Hazards. This section tells you if the product 

can cause environmental damage—if it’s harmful to wildlife, 

fish, endangered plants or animals, wetlands, or water. 

6 Directions for Use. Make sure that the product is labeled 

for use against the pest(s) that you are trying to control. 

(For example, products labeled only for 

termites should not be used to control fleas.) 

Use only the amounts recommended, and 

follow the directions exactly. 

7First Aid Instructions. The label tells you 

what to do if someone is accidentally 

poisoned by the pesticide. Look for this 

information in the Statement of Practical

Treatment section. The instructions are only 

first aid. ALWAYS call a doctor or your local 

poison center. You may have to take 

the person to a hospital right away after 

giving first aid. Remember to take the 

pesticide label or container with you. 

8 Storage and Disposal. Read carefully and 

follow all directions for safe storage and 

disposal of pesticide products. Always keep 

products in the original container and out 

of reach of children, in a locked cabinet or 

locked garden shed. Main sections on back label. 

Some pesticides have small foldout booklets 

containing the label information. 
18 Using Chemical Pest Controls

Caution: When you use cups, teaspoons, or tablespoons 

to measure pesticides, use only level measures or level 

spoonfuls. NEVER use the same tools that you use for 

measuring pesticides—spoons, cups, bottles—to prepare 

food, even if you’ve washed them. 

When using pesticides that must 

be mixed, determine the correct 

amount for your immediate use. 

Determining the Correct Amount To Use 

Many products can be bought in a convenient ready-to-use form, 

such as in spray cans or spray bottles, that won’t require any mixing. 

However, if you buy a product that has to be measured out or mixed 

with water, prepare only the amount of pesticide that you need for 

the area where you plan to use the pesticide (target area). The label 

on a pesticide product contains much useful information, but there 

isn’t always room to include examples of different dilutions for every 

home use. Thus, it is important to know how to measure volume 

and figure out the exact size of the area where you want to apply the 

pesticide. Determining the correct amount for your immediate use 

requires some careful calculations. Use the following example as an 

illustration of how to prepare only the amount of pesticide needed 

for your immediate pest control problem. 

An example: The product label says, “For the control of 

aphids on tomatoes, mix 8 fluid ounces of pesticide into 

1 gallon of water and spray until foliage is wet.” You have 

only 6 tomato plants. From experience, you know that 

1 gallon is too much, and that you really need only 1 quart 

of water to wet the leaves on these 6 plants. A quart is only 

1⁄4 of a gallon. Because you want to use less water than 

the label says, you need less pesticide. You need only 

1⁄4 of the pesticide amount listed on the label—only 

2 fluid ounces. This makes the same strength spray 

recommended by the label, and is the appropriate 

amount for the 6 tomato plants. 

In short, all you need to do is figure the amount of 

pesticide you need for the size of your target area, 

using good measurements and careful arithmetic. For 

help in making these calculations, see pages 39–41 in 

the Reference Section. 
Using Chemical Pest Controls 19

Using Pesticides Safely and Correctly 

Once you have read the pesticide label and are familiar with 

all precautions, including first aid instructions, follow these 

recommendations to reduce your risks: 

Before Using a Pesticide 

u Wear the items of protective clothing the label requires: 

for example, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, overalls, nonabsorbent gloves (not leather or fabric), rubber footwear (not 

canvas or leather), a hat, goggles, or a dust mist filter. If no 

specific clothing is listed, gloves, long-sleeved shirts and long 

pants, and closed shoes are recommended. You can buy 

protective clothing and equipment at hardware stores or 

building supply stores. 

When Mixing or Applying a Pesticide 

u Never smoke or eat while mixing or applying pesticides. You 

could easily carry traces of the pesticide from your hands to 

your mouth. Also, some pesticide products are flammable. 

u Follow the use directions on the label carefully. Use only for the 

purpose listed. Use only the amount directed, at the time and 

under the conditions specified. Don’t change the recommended

amount. Don’t think that twice the amount will do twice the job. 

It won’t. You could harm yourself, others, or whatever you are 

trying to protect. 

u If the directions on the label tell you to mix or dilute the 

pesticide, do so outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Use 

the amount listed on the label and measure the pesticide 

carefully. (Never use the same measuring cups or spoons that 

you use in the kitchen.) Mix only the amount that 

you need for each application. Do not prepare 

larger amounts to store for possible future 

use. (See “Determining the Correct Amount To Use” 

on page 18.) 

. 

When using a pesticide—

4 Read and follow the label directions. 

4 Wear protective clothing. 

4 Don’t smoke or eat. 

4 Mix and apply only the amount you need. 
20 Using Chemical Pest Controls

u Keep children, pets (including birds and fish), and toys 

(including pet toys) away from areas where you mix and 

apply pesticides for at least the length of time required 

on the label. 

u Never transfer pesticides to other containers, such as 

empty soft drink or milk bottles. Keep pesticides in

their original containers—ones that clearly identify 

the contents. Refasten all childproof caps tightly. 

u If a spill occurs, clean it up promptly. Don’t 

wash it away. Instead, sprinkle the spill with 

sawdust, vermiculite, or kitty litter. Sweep it 

into a plastic garbage bag, and dispose of it as 

directed on the pesticide product label. 

u Indoors or outdoors, never put bait for insects 

or rats, mice, and other rodents where small 

children or pets can reach it. When using 

traps, make sure the animal inside is dead 

before you touch or open the trap. 

Indoor Applications

u Use pesticides indoors only when absolutely necessary, and use 

only very limited amounts. 

u Provide adequate ventilation. If the label directions permit, 

leave all windows open and fans operating after the application 

is completed. If the pesticide product is only effective in an 

unventilated (sealed) room or house, do not stay there. Put 

all pets outdoors, and take yourself and your family away 

from treated areas for at least the length of time prescribed 

on the label. 

u Apply most surface sprays only to limited areas such as cracks; 

don’t treat entire floors, walls, or ceilings. 

u Remove food, pots and pans, and dishes before treating kitchen 

cabinets. Don’t let pesticides get on any surfaces that are used 

for food preparation. Wait until shelves dry before refilling 

them. Wash any surfaces that may have pesticide residues 

before placing food on them. 

Mix pesticides outdoors 

or in a well-ventilated area. 
Using Chemical Pest Controls 21

Outdoor Applications

u Never apply pesticides outdoors on a windy day (winds higher 

than 10 mph). Position yourself so that a light breeze does not 

blow pesticide spray or dust into your face. 

u Before spraying, close the doors and windows of your home. 

u Use coarse droplet nozzles on your sprayer to reduce misting, 

and spray as close to the target as possible. 

u Keep pesticides away from plants and wildlife you do not 

want to treat. Do not apply any pesticide to blooming plants, 

especially if you see honeybees or other pollinating insects 

around them. Do not spray bird nests when treating trees. 

u Follow label directions carefully to ensure that you don’t apply 

too much pesticide to your lawn, shrubs, or garden. Never 

water your lawn after applying pesticides. Before using a 

pesticide outdoors, check the label or contact your EPA Regional 

Office or County Cooperative Extension Service 

to find out whether the pesticide is known or 

suspected to run off or seep into ground water. 

Ground water is the underground reservoir that 

supplies water to wells, springs, creeks, and the 

like. Excessive application of pesticides could 

cause the pesticide to run off or seep into water 

supplies and contaminate them. Excess spray 

may also leave harmful residues on your homegrown fruit and vegetables, and could affect 

other plants, wildlife, and fish. 

u Never mix or apply a pesticide near a wellhead. 

u If you have a well, be sure it extends downward 

to water sources that are below, and isolated 

from, surface water sources. Be sure the well 

shaft is tightly sealed. For further information, 

see EPA’s brochure Pesticides in Drinking Water

Wells. (See page 42 for information on how to 

order a copy from EPA’s National Service Center for 

Environmental Publications.) 

u When using total release foggers to control pests, the most 

important precautions you can take are to use no more than 

the amount needed and to keep foggers away from ignition 

sources (ovens, stoves, air conditioners, space heaters, and 

water heaters, for example). Foggers should not be used in 

small, enclosed places such as closets and cabinets or under 

tables and counters. 

Keep children and pets away from 

areas where you apply pesticides. 
22 Using Chemical Pest Controls

After Applying a Pesticide, Indoors or Outdoors 

u To remove pesticide residues, use a bucket to thoroughly rinse tools 

or equipment that you used when mixing the pesticide. Then pour 

the rinse water into the pesticide sprayer and reuse the solution by 

applying it according to the pesticide product label directions. (See 

pages 24–25 for safe disposal guidelines.) 

u Always wash your hands after applying any pesticide. Wash 

any other parts of your body that may have come in contact with 

the pesticide. To prevent tracking pesticides inside, remove or 

rinse your boots or shoes before entering your home. Wash separately from your regular wash any clothes that have been exposed 

to pesticide. 

u Evaluate the results of your pesticide use. Consider using a 

different chemical, a non-chemical method, or a combination 

of non-chemical and chemical methods if the chemical 

treatment didn’t work. Again, do not assume that using 

more pesticide than the label recommends 

will do a better job. It won’t. 

u Watch for negative effects on 

wildlife (birds, butterflies, and 

bees) in and near treated areas. 

If you see any unusual behavior, 

stop using that pesticide, and 

contact EPA’s Pesticide Incident 

Response Officer (see page 35). 

Wash clothing worn when using pesticides 

separately from other laundry. 
Using Chemical Pest Controls 23

Storing and Disposing of Pesticides Properly 

Improper pesticide storage and disposal can be hazardous to human 

health and the environment. Follow these safety recommendations: 

Safe Storage of Pesticides 

u Don’t stockpile. Reduce storage needs by buying only the 

amount of pesticide that you will need in the near future or 

during the current season when the pest is active. 

u Follow all storage instructions on the pesticide label. 

u Store pesticides high enough so that they are out of reach 

of children and pets. Keep all pesticides in a locked cabinet 

in a well-ventilated utility area or garden shed. 

u Store flammable liquids outside your living area and far away 

from an ignition source such as a furnace, a car, an outdoor grill, 

or a power lawn mower. 

u Never store pesticides in cabinets with or near food, animal feed, 

or medical supplies. 

u Always store pesticides in their original containers, complete 

with labels that list ingredients, directions for use, and first aid 

steps in case of accidental poisoning. 

u Never transfer pesticides to soft drink bottles or other containers. 

Children or others may mistake them for something to eat 

or drink. 

u Use child-resistant packaging correctly—close the container 

tightly after using the product. Child resistant does not mean 

child proof, so you still must be extra careful to store properly— 

out of children’s reach—even those products that are sold in 

child-resistant packaging. 

u Do not store pesticides in places where flooding is possible or in 

places where they might spill or leak into wells, drains, ground 

water, or surface water. 

u If you can’t identify the contents of the container, or 

if you can’t tell how old the contents are, follow the 

advice on safe disposal in the next section. 

Never transfer pesticides to soft

drink bottles or other containers

that children or others may

mistake for something to eat

or drink.

Store pesticides in a locked

cabinet out of reach of

children and pets.
24 Using Chemical Pest Controls

Safe Disposal of Pesticides 

u The best way to dispose of small amounts of excess pesticides is 

to use them—apply them—according to the directions on the 

label. If you cannot use them, ask your neighbors whether they 

have a similar pest control problem and can use them. 

u If all of the remaining pesticide cannot be properly used, 

check with your local solid waste agency, environmental agency, 

or health department to find out whether your community has a 

household hazardous waste collection program or a similar 

program for getting rid of unwanted, leftover pesticides. These 

authorities can also inform you of any local requirements for 

pesticide waste disposal. 

u Earth 911 (1-800-CLEANUP or www.earth911.com) is another 

source for information about disposal and special waste collection 

programs in your local area. 

u State and local laws regarding pesticide disposal may be

stricter than the federal requirements on the label. Be sure 

to check with your state or local solid waste agency before disposing of your pesticide containers. 

u If no community program or guidance exists, follow 

the label directions for disposal. In general, to dispose 

of less than a full container of a liquid pesticide, leave 

it in the original container with the cap tightly in place 

to prevent spills or leaks. Put the container in a covered 

trash can for routine collection with municipal trash. If 

you do not have a regular trash collection service, take 

the package to a permitted landfill (unless your town 

has other requirements). 

Note: No more than 1 gallon of liquid pesticide at a time should 

be thrown out with the regular trash in this manner. 

u Place individual packages of dry pesticides in a tight carton or 

bag, and tape or tie the package closed. Put the package in a 

covered trash can for routine collection. 

Note: No more than 5 pounds of dry pesticide at a time should 

be thrown out with the regular trash in this manner. 

u Do not pour leftover pesticides down the sink, into the toilet, 

or down a sewer or street drain. Pesticides may interfere with 

the operation of wastewater treatment systems or pollute 

waterways. Many municipal systems are not equipped to 

remove all pesticide residues. If pesticides reach waterways, 

they may harm fish, plants, and other living things. 

Do not pour leftover pesticides

down the sink, into the toilet, or

down a sewer or street drain.
Using Chemical Pest Controls 25

u An empty pesticide container can be as hazardous as a full one 

because of residues left inside. Never reuse such a container. 

When empty, replace the cap or closure securely and place in 

trash. Dispose of the container according to label instructions. Do 

not puncture or burn a pressurized or aerosol container—it could 

explode. 

u Many communities have programs to recycle household waste 

such as empty bottles and cans. Do not recycle any pesticide 

containers, however, unless the recycling program specifically 

accepts pesticide containers and you follow the program’s instructions for preparing the empty containers for collection. 

Follow the label directions for disposal. 
26 Reducing Your Exposure When Others Use Pesticides

Reducing Your Exposure 

When Others Use Pesticides 

EVEN IF YOU NEVER USE PESTICIDES YOURSELF, you 

can still be exposed to them—at home, school, work, or play—by 

being in treated areas, as a consumer of commodities that others 

have treated with pesticides, or through food, water, and air that 

may have been contaminated with pesticides. 

This section describes sources of exposure other than your own use 

of pesticides. It also suggests ways to reduce your overall exposure. 

If you know or suspect that you, or others close to you, are sensitive 

to chemicals, consult an expert who can help you develop a strategy 

for handling your potential exposure problems. 

Exposure Through Food 

Commercial Food 

To ensure a safe food supply, EPA regulates the safety of food by 

setting safety standards to limit the amount of pesticide residues that 

legally may remain in or on food or animal feed that is sold in the 

United States. Both domestic and imported foods are monitored by 

the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department 

of Agriculture (USDA) to ensure compliance with these safety 

standards. 

Because most crops are treated with pesticides at least some of the 

time, foods you buy at the grocery store may contain small traces 

of pesticide residues. Pesticide levels tend to decline over time 

because the residues break down and because crops are usually 

washed and processed before reaching the marketplace. So, while 

we all consume small amounts of pesticides regularly, levels in our 

food generally are well below legal limits by the time the food 

reaches the grocery shelves. 

Although EPA sets safety standards for the amount of pesticide 

residues allowed both in and on foods, you can take extra precautions 

to reduce the traces of pesticide residues you and your 

family consume in the food you buy. Follow these suggestions: 

u Trim the fat from meat and poultry because residues of some 

pesticides concentrate in fat. Remove the skin from fish. 

u Discard the fats and oils in broths and pan drippings. 
Reducing Your Exposure When Others Use Pesticides 27

u Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly with water. Scrub 

them with a brush and peel them, if possible. Taking 

these safety steps will remove most of the existing 

surface residues, along with any remaining dirt. 

Note that surface cleaning (rinsing and scrubbing) 

will not remove pesticide residues that are 

absorbed into the growing fruit or vegetable 

before harvest. 

u Cook or bake foods to reduce residues of 

some pesticides even further. 

Home-Grown Food 

Growing your own food can be an enjoyable 

activity. It is also a way to reduce your exposure to 

pesticide residues in food—especially if you decide 

not to use chemical pesticides on your produce and 

you choose a garden site where drift or runoff from a 

neighbor’s use of pesticides will not result in unintended 

residues on your food. If your house or property is regularly 

treated for pest prevention, don’t plant your garden where the 

treatments are applied. 

Food from the Wild 

While it may seem that hunting your own game, catching your 

own fish, or gathering wild plant foods would reduce your overall 

exposure to pesticides, that isn’t necessarily true. If you eat wild 

animals or plants from areas where pesticides are frequently used, 

this food may contain pesticide residues. In addition, birds such as 

ducks and geese may absorb pesticide residues if they have stopped 

to eat treated crops anywhere along their flight path. 

If you eat food from the wild, you may want to take the following steps 

to reduce your exposure to pesticides: 

u Do not fish in water bodies where contamination has occurred. 

Pay attention to posted signs that warn of contamination. 

u Consult with fish and game officials or other appropriate officials 

where you plan to hunt or fish to determine whether there are 

any chemical problems associated with the area. 

u Do not pick wild plants that are growing right next to a road, 

utility right-of-way, or hedgerow between farm fields. These 

areas may have been treated with pesticides. 

u When preparing wild foods, trim fat from the meat. Discard the 

skin from fish. 

Rinse fruits and vegetables with water. 

Scrub them with a brush and peel them, 

if possible. 
28 Reducing Your Exposure When Others Use Pesticides

Exposure Through Water 

When pesticides are applied to land, a certain amount may run off 

into streams and rivers. This runoff, together with industrial waste, 

may result in low-level contamination of surface water. In certain 

settings—for example, when sandy soil lies over a ground-water 

source that is near the surface—pesticides can seep down through 

the soil to the ground water. 

To ensure a safe supply of drinking water, EPA’s Office of Water sets 

standards for pesticides and other chemicals that may be found in 

drinking water. Municipal water systems test their water periodically 

and provide treatment or alternate supply sources if residue 

problems occur. Generally, private wells are not tested unless the 

well owner requests an analysis. If you get your drinking water 

from a private well— 

u Contact your state or local health department if you have any 

questions about pesticide or other chemical residues in your 

well water. 

u If your well water is analyzed and found to contain pesticide 

residue levels above established or recommended health 

standards, use an alternate water source such as bottled water 

for drinking and cooking. The safest choice is distilled spring 

water in glass bottles. If you buy water from a local bottler, ask 

for the results of any recent pesticide analysis of the bottled water. 

Exposure Through Air 

Outdoors 

Air currents may carry pesticides that were applied on properties 

nearby. You can reduce your exposure outdoors to airborne pesticide 

residues, or drift, by following these recommendations: 

u If a close neighbor or someone else is applying pesticides 

outdoors near your home, you may want to stay indoors 

with your children and pets. Keep windows and exterior 

doors closed. 

u If you live near fields, parks, or other areas that receive 

regular pesticide treatment, consider planting a group of hardy, 

thick-branched trees or shrubs to help serve as a buffer zone 

and windbreak. 

Do not fish in water bodies where 

contamination has occurred. 

EPA sets standards for chemicals that 

may be found in drinking water. 
Reducing Your Exposure When Others Use Pesticides 29

u Careless application can lead to drift or direct spraying of nontarget sites. If your property is accidentally sprayed during an 

aerial pesticide application, you should call your local, state, 

or regional pesticide office. (See pages 44–48 in the Reference 

Section for phone numbers.) If you or someone in your family is 

accidentally sprayed, wash pesticide off immediately and change 

into clean clothes. Then call your local poison center at 

1-800-222-1222. 

Some local governments require public notice before area-wide 

or broad-scale pesticide spraying activities take place. Affected 

residents are notified through newspaper announcements, fliers, 

letters, or signs posted in areas to be treated. Some communities 

have also enacted “right-to-know” ordinances that require public 

notice (usually through posting) of lawn treatments and other 

small-scale outdoor pesticide uses. 

Indoors 

The air you breathe may contain low levels of pesticide residues 

long after a pesticide has been applied to objects inside a building 

or to indoor surfaces and crawl spaces, or after it has been tracked 

in from outside. Pesticides break down and disappear more slowly 

indoors than outdoors. In addition, many homes have built-in 

energy efficiency features that reduce the exchange of indoor and 

outdoor air and thus aggravate the problem. To limit your exposure 

to indoor pesticide residues— 

u Air out the building adequately after a pesticide is applied 

indoors. Open doors and windows, and run overhead, 

whole-house, or window fans to exchange indoor air for 

outdoor air rapidly and completely. 

u If you suspect that the air in your building is contaminated, 

consult knowledgeable professionals in your local or state 

health department or the National Pesticide Information Center at 

1-800-858-7378, seven days a week, from 6:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 

Pacific Time (9:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. Eastern Time) for advice on the 

appropriate steps to take. 

. 

Air out the building adequately after 

a pesticide is applied indoors. 
30 Poisoned by Pesticides: Don’t Let This Happen to Your Child!

Poisoned by Pesticides: 

Don’t Let This Happen 

to Your Child! 

A 5-year-old boy drinks from a bottle of bleach that he

finds under the bathroom sink.

A 3-year-old girl tries to spray her hair the way

mommy does, but sprays an aerosol disinfectant

in her eyes instead.

A baby who has just begun to crawl eats green

pebbles from behind the sofa. They look like

candy, but are really rat poison.

These accidents could happen to your children or 

to children visiting your home if you don’t store 

pesticides out of their reach or if you don’t read the 

label carefully before using the pesticide product. 

The dangers are real. Each year thousands of children are 

exposed to or poisoned by a household pesticide product 

that is used or stored incorrectly. 

Whether or not you have young children in your home, take the 

following precautions to protect all children from unintentional 

pesticide poisonings or exposures: 

u Always store pesticides and other household chemicals up high, 

out of children’s reach, in a locked cabinet or garden shed. 

Installing child-proof safety latches or padlocks on cupboards and 

cabinets is a good idea. Safety latches are available at your local 

hardware store or building supply warehouse. 

u Before applying pesticides—indoors or outdoors—remove 

children and their toys, along with any pets and their toys, 

from the area. Keep them away from the area that has been 

treated until the pesticide has dried and for at least the length 

of time recommended on the pesticide label. 

u If you are interrupted while applying a pesticide—by a phone 

call, for example—be sure to close the pesticide container 

properly and put it out of reach of any child who may come 

into the area while you are gone. 

Where do you store your pesticides?

A nationwide study conducted 

by EPA revealed that almost half 

(approximately 47 percent) of surveyed 

households with children under the age 

of 5 had at least one pesticide stored 

within their reach. 
Poisoned by Pesticides: Don’t Let This Happen to Your Child! 31

u Never remove labels from containers, and never transfer 

pesticides to other containers. Children may mistake them for 

food or drink. 

u Never put rodent or insect baits where small children can find 

them, pick them up, and put them in their mouths. 

u Make sure you close any container marked “child resistant” very 

tightly after you use the product. Check periodically to make 

sure the product is securely closed. Child resistant does not 

mean child proof, so you should still be careful with products 

that are sold in child-resistant packaging. 

u Make sure others—especially babysitters, grandparents, 

and other caregivers—know about the potential hazards 

of pesticides. 

u Teach children that “pesticides are poisons”—something they 

should never touch or eat. 

u Keep the poison center telephone number 

(1-800-222-1222) near each phone. Have the 

pesticide container handy when you call. 

Store pesticides out of children’s reach. 
32 Handling a Pesticide Emergency

Handling a Pesticide 

Emergency 

“Help! Someone’s Been Poisoned!” 

What To Do in a Pesticide Emergency 

If the person is unconscious, 

having trouble breathing, 

or having convulsions, 

ACT FAST! Speed is crucial. 

Give needed first aid immediately. 

Call 911 or your local emergency 

service. 

If possible, have someone 

else call for emergency help 

while you give first aid. 

If the person is awake or conscious, 

not having trouble breathing, and 

not having convulsions . . . 

Read the label for first aid 

instructions. 

Call your local poison center at 

1-800-222-1222, or the National Pesticide 

Information Center at 1-800-858-7378. 

Give first aid. 

32 Handling a Pesticide Emergency
Handling a Pesticide Emergency 33

First Aid for Pesticide Poisoning 

When you realize a pesticide poisoning has occurred or is occurring, 

try to determine what the victim was exposed to and what part of 

the body was affected before you take action—taking the right

action is as important as taking immediate action. If the person is 

unconscious, having trouble breathing, or having convulsions, ACT 

FAST! Speed is crucial. Give needed first aid immediately. Call 911 

or your local emergency service. If possible, have someone else call 

for emergency help while you give first aid. If the person is awake or 

conscious, not having trouble breathing, and not having convulsions, 

read the label for first aid instructions. Call your local poison center at 

1-800-222-1222 or the National Pesticide Information Center at 

1-800-858-7378. Give first aid. 

Read the Statement of Practical Treatment section on the product 

label. The appropriate first aid treatment depends on the kind of 

poisoning that has occurred. Follow these general guidelines: 

u Swallowed poison. A conscious victim should drink a small 

amount of water to dilute the pesticide. Induce vomiting only if a 

poison center or physician advises you to do so. Call the poison 

center at 1-800-222-1222. 

u Poison on skin. Drench skin with water for at least 15 minutes. 

Remove contaminated clothing. Wash skin and hair thoroughly 

with soap and water. Later, discard contaminated clothing or 

thoroughly wash it separately from other laundry. 

u Chemical burn on skin. Drench skin with water for 

at least 15 minutes. Remove contaminated clothing. Cover 

burned area immediately with loose, clean, soft cloth. Do 

not apply ointments, greases, powders, or 

other drugs. Later, discard contaminated clothing or thoroughly wash it 

separately from other laundry. 

u Poison in eye. Hold eyelid open 

and wash eye quickly and 

gently with clean cool running 

water from the tap or a hose 

for 15 minutes or more. Use 

only water; do not use eye 

drops, chemicals, or drugs in the 

eye. Eye membranes absorb 

pesticides faster than any other 

external part of the body, and eye 

damage can occur in a few minutes with 

some types of pesticides. 

If a poisoning has occurred, call for help, and be ready to read 

information from the pesticide label. 
34 Handling a Pesticide Emergency

National Pesticide 

Information Center 

(NPIC) 

Call Toll Free 1-800-858-7378 

u Inhaled poison. If the victim is outside, move or carry the 

victim away from the area where pesticides were recently 

applied. If the victim is inside, carry or move the victim to 

fresh air immediately. If you think you need protection like a 

respirator before helping the victim, call the Fire Department 

and wait for emergency equipment before entering the area. 

Loosen the victim’s tight clothing. If the victim’s skin is blue 

or the victim has stopped breathing, give artificial respiration 

(if you know how) and call 911 for help. Open doors and 

windows so no one else will be poisoned by fumes. 

What To Do After First Aid 

u First aid may precede but should not replace professional 

medical treatment. After giving first aid, call the poison center at 

1-800-222-1222. Have the pesticide label at hand when you call. 

u If emergency treatment is needed in a doctor’s office or emergency 

room, carry the container in your trunk or flatbed away from 

the passengers in your vehicle. The doctor needs to know what 

active ingredient is in the pesticide before prescribing treatment. 

This information is on the label, which sometimes also includes 

a telephone number to call for additional treatment information. 

Another good resource in a pesticide emergency is NPIC, 

the National Pesticide Information Center, a toll-free 

telephone service that operates seven days a week, from 

6:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Pacific Time (9:30 a.m.–7:30 p.m. 

Eastern Time). NPIC provides information on pesticides 

and how to recognize and respond to pesticide poisonings. 

If necessary, staff at NPIC can transfer your call directly to 

a local poison center. Call NPIC toll free at 

1-800-858-7378. 

NPIC staff answer questions about animal poisonings, too. To keep 

your pets from being poisoned, follow label directions on flea and 

tick products carefully. If you are concerned about the chemicals 

used in these products, consult your veterinarian. 

How To Recognize Pesticide Poisoning 

External irritants that contact skin may cause skin damage such as 

redness, itching, or pimples. External irritants may also cause an 

allergic skin reaction that produces redness, swelling, or blistering. 

The mucous membranes of the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat are also 

quite sensitive to chemicals. Pesticide exposure may cause stinging 

and swelling in these membranes. 
Handling a Pesticide Emergency 35

Internal injuries also may occur if a pesticide is swallowed, inhaled, 

or absorbed through the skin. Symptoms vary from organ to organ. 

Lung injury may result in shortness of breath, drooling (heavy 

salivation), or rapid breathing. Direct injury to the stomach and 

intestines may produce nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, or 

diarrhea. Injury to the nervous system may cause excessive fatigue, 

sleepiness, headache, muscle twitching, and numbness. In general, 

different types of pesticides produce different sets of symptoms. 

If someone develops symptoms after working with 

pesticides, seek medical help immediately to 

determine if the symptoms are pesticide related. 

In certain cases, blood or urine should be collected 

for analysis, or other specific exposure tests can be 

made. It is better to be too cautious than too late. 

Avoid potential health problems by minimizing 

your exposure to pesticides. Follow all the safety 

recommendations on pages 19–25. 

EPA wants to know about any adverse 

effects associated with pesticide exposure. 

If you have such information, contact— 

Pesticide Incident Response Officer 

Office of Pesticide Programs (7506C) 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW 

Washington, DC 20460 

davido.frank@epa.gov 
36 Choosing a Pest Control Company

Choosing a 

Pest Control Company 

IF YOU HAVE a pest control problem that you do not want 

to handle on your own, you may decide to turn to a professional 

applicator. How can you be sure that the pest control company you 

hire will do a good job? Before you choose a company, get answers 

to these questions: 

1Is the company licensed?

Most state or local agencies issue state pest control licenses. 

Make sure the pest control operator’s licence is current if one is 

required in your state. Also, ask if the company’s employees are

bonded, meaning that the company reimburses you for any loss 

or damage caused by the employee. 

You may want to contact your state pesticide agency to find out 

about its pesticide certification and training programs and to ask 

whether periodic recertification is required for pest control 

operators. (See pages 45–48 for addresses and phone numbers.) 

In addition, possession of a city license—where they are 

issued—is one more assurance that the company you are 

dealing with is reputable and responsible. 

2Is the company willing and able to discuss the treatment

proposed for your home?

Selecting a pest control service is just as important as selecting 

other professional services. Look for the same high degree of 

competence you would expect from a doctor or lawyer. Any 

company, including those advertising themselves as “green,” 

should inspect your premises and outline a recommended 

control program, including the— 

u Pests to be controlled. 

u Extent of the problem. 

u Active ingredient(s) in the pesticide chosen. 

u Potential adverse health effects and typical symptoms of 

poisoning associated with the active ingredient. 

u Form of the pesticide and application techniques. 

u Non-chemical alternatives available. 
Choosing a Pest Control Company 37

u Special instructions to reduce your exposure to the pesticide 

(such as vacating the house, emptying the cupboards, and 

removing pets). 

u Steps to take to minimize your pest problems in the future. 

3Does the company have a good track record?

Don’t rely on the company salesperson to answer this question. 

Research the answer yourself. Ask neighbors and friends if they 

have ever dealt with the company. Were they satisfied with the 

service they received? Call your state or local pesticide regulatory 

agency and find out if they have received complaints about the 

company. 

4Does the company have appropriate insurance? Can the

salesperson show proof on paper that the company is insured?

Most contractors carry general liability insurance, including 

insurance for sudden and accidental pollution. Their insurance 

gives you a certain degree of protection should an accident occur 

while pesticides are being applied in your home. Contractors 

may also carry workmen’s compensation insurance, which can 

help protect you should one of their employees 

be injured while working in or around your 

apartment or house. Although most states do 

not require pest control companies to buy 

insurance, you should think twice before 

hiring a company that is not insured. 

5Does the company guarantee its work?

You should be skeptical about a company 

that does not guarantee its work. In addition, 

be sure to find out what you must do to keep 

your part of the bargain. For example, in 

the case of termite control treatments, the 

company’s guarantee may become invalid 

if you make structural alterations to your 

home without giving prior notice to the 

pest control company. 

6Is the company affiliated with a

professional pest control association?

Professional associations—national, 

state, or local—keep members informed 

of new developments in pest control 

methods, safety, training, research, and 

regulations. Members agree to honor a 

code of ethics. The fact that a company, 

small or large, chooses to join a professional 

association signals its concern for quality. 

Ask questions before choosing a pesticide company. 

1. Is the company 

licensed? 

2. Is the company 

willing and able to 

discuss the treatment 

proposed for your 

home? 

3. Does the company 

have a good track 

record? 

4. . . . 
38 Choosing a Pest Control Company

You and the company of your choice should develop the contract 

together. Your safety concerns should be noted and reflected in 

the choice of pesticides to be used. These concerns may include 

allergies, sensitivities, age of occupants (infants or elderly), resident 

pets, and treatment near wildlife and fish. Wise consumers get bids 

from two or three companies and look at value more than price. 

What appears to be a bargain may warrant a second look. 

If you hire a pest control firm to do the job, ask the company to use 

the least toxic chemical method available that will do the job. Ask 

to see the label or Material Safety Data Sheet, which will show 

precautionary warnings. 

Hiring a company to take care of your pest problem does not mean 

your job is over. You must evaluate the results. If you believe 

something has gone wrong with the pesticide application, contact 

the company and/or your state pesticide agency. Be a responsible, 

wise consumer and keep asking questions until your pests are 

under control. 
Reference Section 39

Reference Section 

Calculating the Correct Amount of Pesticide To 

Use for Your Target Area 

To determine the size of your target area outdoors (usually a square 

or rectangular part of your lawn or garden), measure each side and 

multiply the length times the width. For example, if you want to 

apply a pesticide in an area that is 15 feet long and 15 feet wide, 

multiply 15 x 15 to get a total of 225 square feet. 

When you read the label for pesticides commonly applied outdoors, 

you will see measurements in square feet or in square yards. A section 

of lawn that is 1 yard long x 1 yard wide has an area of 1 square yard. 

Because 1 yard = 3 feet, another way to calculate the same area is 

this: 3 feet long x 3 feet wide = 9 square feet = 1 square yard. 

To know the size of your target area indoors, you may need to 

determine the volume of a room. You must calculate the volume 

of a room, for instance, before using a bug bomb 

(aerosol release) to control cockroaches or fleas. 

In a case like this, measure and multiply the room’s 

length times width times height. For example, if 

the kitchen in your apartment is 6 feet long, 5 feet 

wide, and 8 feet high, its volume is 240 cubic feet 

(6 x 5 = 30 x 8 = 240). 

Tables 1 to 3 (on pages 40–41) give examples for 

changing measurements you find on the pesticide 

label to match your specific target area and pest 

problem. 

For most pesticide uses in and around

the home, you need to know some

common ways to measure volume and

some common abbreviations:

1 gallon (gal.) = 16 cups 

= 8 pints (pt.) 

= 4 quarts (qt.) 

= 128 fluid ounces (fl. oz.) 

1 quart (qt.) = 4 cups 

= 2 pt. 

= 32 fl. oz. 

1 pint (pt.) = 2 cups 

= 16 fl. oz. 

1 cup = 8 fl. oz. 

1 tablespoon = 3 teaspoons 

= 1

/2 fl. oz. 

1 teaspoon = 1

/6 fl. oz. 

1 sq. yard = 9 square feet = 3 ft. long x 

3 ft. wide 

Measurements are based on standard measuring 

utensils, not on tableware. 
40 Reference Section

Not all amounts are included in the tables. For amounts not 

included, use the following notes as a guide: 

u To figure the amount of a ready-to-use pesticide (not to be 

diluted with water), you must change the quantity of pesticide 

in the same way that you change the area/volume/number of 

items treated to keep the correct proportion. 

For example— 1

/2 lb. of pesticide 1/4 lb. of pesticide 

per 1,000 sq. ft. per 500 sq. ft. 

u To figure the amount of a pesticide that is to be diluted with 

water, you must change the quantity of pesticide and the 

quantity of water in the same way that you change the area/ 

volume/number of items treated to keep the correct proportion. 

For example—

1 lb. of pesticide 1

/2 lb. of pesticide 

in 2 gals. of water in 1 gal. of water 

per 2,000 sq. ft. per 1,000 sq. ft. 

TABLE 1 — Diluting Pesticides with Water

Unit stands for any measure of pesticide quantity. Read across. 

Pesticide Label Says: 

Mix “x” Units of 

Pesticide . . . You mix . . .

8 units per 1 gal. water 2 units per 1 qt. water or 1 unit per 1 pt. water 

16 units per 1 gal. water 4 units per 1 qt. water or 2 units per 1 pt. water 

32 units per 1 gal. water 8 units per 1 qt. water or 4 units per 1 pt. water 

128 units per 1 gal. water 32 units per 1 qt. water or 16 units per 1 pt. water 

= 

= 
Reference Section 41

TABLE 2 — Measuring Pesticides for a Surface Application

Unit stands for any measure of pesticide quantity. Read across. 

Pesticide Label Says: 

Apply “x” Units of Your surface measures . . .

Pesticide . . . 20,000 sq. ft. 10,000 sq. ft. 500 sq. ft.

1 unit per 1,000 sq. ft. Apply: 20 units 10 units 1⁄2 unit 

2 units per 1,000 sq. ft. 40 units 20 units 1 unit 

5 units per 1,000 sq. ft. 100 units 50 units 21⁄2 units 

10 units per 1,000 sq. ft. 200 units 100 units 5 units 

TABLE 3 — Buying Pesticides for a Room Application

Read across. 

Pesticide Label Says: 

Release One Aerosol Your room measures . . .

Can . . . 20,000 cu. ft. 10,000 cu. ft. 5,000 cu. ft.

10,000 cu. ft. Use: 2 cans 1 can don’t use 

5,000 cu. ft. 4 cans 2 cans 1 can 

2,500 cu. ft. 8 cans 4 cans 2 cans 

You may need to measure quantities 

of pesticides that are too small to be 

measured accurately with common 

measuring tools available at home. 

In this case, you should— 

4 Search for another pesticide product 

or a less concentrated form of the 

same pesticide. 

4 Find a more accurate measuring 

device, such as a graduated cylinder or 

a scale that measures small weights. 
42 Reference Section

Home and Garden Web Resources:

v Controlling Pests (EPA) 

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/controlling/ 

index.htm 

v Controlling Mosquitos 

http://epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/skeeters.htm 

v How to Use Insect Repellents Safely (EPA) 

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/ 

insectrp.htm 

v Environmentally Beneficial Landscaping 

(EPA) 

http://www.epa.gov/greenscapes 

v Help Yourself to A Healthy Home 

http://www.uwex.edu/healthyhome/ 

consumers.html 

v Cooperative State Research, Education, 

and Extension Service State Partners 

(U.S. Department of Agriculture) 

http://www.csrees.usda.gov/qlinks/partners/ 

state_partners.html 

For More Information 

Visit Our Web Site

For more information on pesticides, pesticide safety, and pest control,

visit our Web site at www.epa.gov/pesticides. A wide variety of information is available, including:

u Fact sheets 

u Frequent questions 

u Information sources 

u Publications 

u Health and safety 

u Environmental effects 

u Controlling pests 

u Regulating pesticides 

u Science and policy 

u Access to local/regional 

information 

u Materials for kids 

Order Publications

You may order pesticide

publications two ways:

1. Call the National Service 

Center for Environmental 

Publications at 

1-800-490-9198 or 

2. Order the publications 

from the Center’s Web site 

at http://www.epa.gov/ncepihom/ordering.htm 

Other sources for information about pesticides, pesticide safety, and

pest control include:

u National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) 

Telephone: 1-800-858-7378 

Web site: www.npic.orst.edu 

E-mail: npic@ace.orst.edu 
Reference Section 43

NPIC is an EPA-sponsored toll-free service that provides objective, 

science-based information on a wide variety of the following 

pesticide-related subjects to the public: 

w Pesticide information 

w Information on recognizing and managing pesticide 

poisonings 

w Safety information 

w Health and environmental effects 

w Referrals for investigation of pesticide incidents and emergency treatment information 

w Cleanup and disposal procedures, and much more 

u County Cooperative Extension Service offices are usually listed 

in the telephone directory under county or state government; 

these offices often have a range of resources on lawn care and 

landscape maintenance, including plant selection, pest control, 

and soil testing. (Web site: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/qlinks/ 

partners/state_partners.html) 

u State agriculture and environmental agencies may publish 

information on pests, pest management strategies, and state 

pesticide regulations. (See state contacts on pages 45–48.) 

u Libraries, bookstores, and garden centers usually have a wide 

selection of books that identify various pests and discuss lawn 

care. Garden centers may also have telephone hotlines or 

experts available on the premises to answer gardening 

questions. 
44 Reference Section

EPA Addresses 

US EPA, Region 3

Pesticide Section 

1650 Arch Street 

Philadelphia, PA 19103 

215-814-2042 

www.epa.gov/region03/ 

USEPA, Region 4

Pesticide Section 

61 Forsyth Street, SW 

Atlanta, GA 30303 

404-562-8968 

www.epa.gov/region04/ 

US EPA, Region 5

Pesticide Section 

77 West Jackson Boulevard 

Chicago, IL 60604-3507 

312-353-2000 

www.epa.gov/region05/ 

US EPA, Region 6

Pesticide Section 

1445 Ross Avenue 

Dallas, TX 75202-2733 

214-665-6444 

www.epa.gov/region06/ 

US EPA, Region 7

Pesticide Section 

901 N. 5th Street 

Kansas City, KS 66101 

913-551-7033 

www.epa.gov/region07/ 

US EPA, Region 8

Pesticide Section 

999 18th Street 

Denver, CO 80202-2466 

800-227-8917 

www.epa.gov/region08/ 

US EPA, Region 9

Pesticide Section 

75 Hawthorne Street 

San Francisco, CA 94105 

415-947-8704 

www.epa.gov/region09/ 

US EPA, Region 10

Pesticide Section 

1200 Sixth Avenue 

Seattle, WA 98101 

206-553-1200 

www.epa.gov/region10/ 

EPA Headquarters 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Office of Pesticide Programs (7506C) 

1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW 

Washington, DC 20460 

Telephone: 703-305-5017 

Fax: 703-305-5558 

EPA Regional Offices 

US EPA, Region 1

Pesticide Section 

John Kennedy Federal Building 

1 Congress Street, Suite 1100 

Boston, MA 02114 

888-372-7341 

www.epa.gov/region01/ 

US EPA, Region 2

Pesticide Section 

2890 Woodbridge Avenue 

Edison, NJ 08837 

732-321-6769 

www.epa.gov/region02/ 

EPA Regions 
Reference Section 45

State Lead Agencies for Pesticide Regulation 

Alabama

Plant Protection and Pest Management 

Division 

Alabama Department of Agriculture 

& Industries 

P.O. Box 3336 

Montgomery, AL 36109-0336 

334-240-7237 

Alaska

Environmental Health 

Dept. of Environmental Conservation 

555 Cordova 

Juneau, AK 99501 

907-745-3236 

Arizona

Environmental Services Division 

Arizona Department of Agriculture 

1688 W. Adams Street 

Phoenix, AZ 85007-2617 

602-542-3575 

Arkansas

Arkansas State Plant Board 

P.O. Box 1069 

Little Rock, AR 72203-1069 

501-225-1598 

California

California Department of Pesticide 

Regulation 

1001 I Street 

P.O. Box 4015 

Sacramento, CA 95812-4015 

916-445-4000 

Colorado

Division of Plant Industry 

Colorado Department of Agriculture 

700 Kipling Street, Suite 4000 

Lakewood, CO 80215-5894 

303-239-4147 

Connecticut

Pesticide Management Division 

Department of Environmental 

Protection 

79 Elm Street 

Hartford, CT 06106-5127 

860-424-3369 

Delaware

Delaware Department of Agriculture 

2320 South Dupont Highway 

Dover, DE 19901-5515 

302-698-4570 

District of Columbia

Environmental Health Administration 

Bureau of Hazardous Waste and Toxic 

Substances Division 

Department of Health 

51 N Street, NE, 3rd Floor, Room 3018 

Washington, DC 20002 

202-535-2280 

Florida

Division of Agricultural 

Environmental Services 

Florida Department of Agriculture 

and Consumer Services 

3125 Conner Blvd., Bldg 6-L29 

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1650 

850-487-2130 

Georgia

Plant Industry Division 

Georgia Department of Agriculture 

Capitol Square 

Atlanta, GA 30334-4201 

404-656-4958 

Hawaii

Plant Industry Division 

Hawaii Department of Agriculture 

1428 South King Street 

Honolulu, HI 96814-2512 

808-973-9415 

Idaho

Division of Agricultural Resources 

Idaho Department of Agriculture 

P.O. Box 790 

Boise, ID 83701-0790 

208-332-8531 

Illinois

Bureau of Environmental Programs 

Illinois Department of Agriculture 

P.O. Box 19281 

Springfield, IL 62794-9281 

217-785-2427 

Indiana

Office of the Indiana State Chemist 

175 S. University Street 

Purdue University 

West Lafayette, IN 47907-1154 

765-494-1587 

Iowa

Pesticide Bureau 

Iowa Department of Agriculture and 

Land Stewardship 

Wallace Building 

Des Moines, IA 50319 

515-281-8591 

Kansas

Pesticide and Fertilizer Program 

Kansas Department of Agriculture 

109 SW Ninth Street, 3rd Floor 

Topeka, KS 66612-1281 

785-296-3786 

Kentucky

Division of Pesticide Regulation 

Kentucky Department of Agriculture 

100 Fairoaks Lane, 5th Floor 

Frankfort, KY 40601-1108 

502-564-7274 

Louisiana

Pesticide and Environmental 

Programs 

Louisiana Department of Agriculture 

and Forestry 

P.O. Box 3596 

Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3596 

225-925-3763 
46 Reference Section

Maine

Board of Pesticides Control 

Maine Department of Agriculture 

State House Station #28 

Augusta, ME 04333-0028 

207-287-2731 

Maryland

Pesticide Regulation Section 

Maryland Department of Agriculture 

50 Harry S. Truman Parkway 

Annapolis, MD 22401-7080 

410-841-5710 

Massachusetts

Pesticide Bureau 

Massachusetts Department of Food 

and Agriculture 

251 Causeway St.—Suite 500 

Boston, MA 02114-0009 

617-626-1778 

Michigan

Pesticide and Plant Management 

Division 

Michigan Department of Agriculture 

P.O. Box 30017 

Lansing, MI 48909-7517 

517-335-6542 

Minnesota

Agronomy and Plant Protection 

Divison 

Minnesota Department of Agriculture 

90 West Plato Blvd. 

St. Paul, MN 55107-2094 

651-296-5639 

Mississippi

Bureau of Plant Industry 

Mississippi Department of Agriculture 

and Commerce 

P.O. Box 5207 

Mississippi State, MS 39762-5207 

601-325-3390 

Missouri

Plant Industries Division 

Missouri Department of Agriculture 

P.O. Box 630 

Jefferson City, MO 65102-0630 

573-751-2462 

Montana

Agricultural Sciences Division 

Montana Department of Agriculture 

P.O. Box 200201 

Helena, MT 59620-0201 

406-444-5400 

Nebraska

Pesticide Program 

Nebraska Department of Agriculture 

301 Centennial Mall 

P.O. Box 94756 

Lincoln, NE 68509-4756 

402-471-2394 

Nevada

Bureau of Plant Industry 

Nevada Department of Agriculture 

350 Capitol Hill Avenue 

Reno, NV 89502-2923 

702-688-1182, ext 239 

New Hampshire

Division of Pesticide Control 

New Hampshire Department of 

Agriculture, Markets and Food 

P.O. Box 2042 

Concord, NH 03302-2042 

603-271-3550 

New Jersey

Pesticide Control and Land Use 

Enforcement 

New Jersey Department of 

Environmental Protection 

P.O. Box 411 

Trenton, NJ 08625-0411 

609-984-6647 

New Mexico

Division of Agricultural and 

Environmental Services 

New Mexico Department of 

Agriculture 

P.O. Box 30005, Dept. 3AQ 

Las Cruces, NM 88003-8005 

505-646-3208 

New York

Division of Solid and Hazardous 

Materials 

New York State Department of 

Environmental Conservation 

625 Broadway, 9th Floor 

Albany, NY 12233-7250 

518-402-8768 

North Carolina

Food and Drug Protection Division 

North Carolina Department of 

Agriculture and Consumer Services 

P.O. Box 27647 

Raleigh, NC 27611-0647 

919-733-3556 

North Dakota

Plant Industries 

North Dakota Department of 

Agriculture 

600 E. Blvd., 6th Floor 

Bismarck, ND 58505-0020 

701-328-4756 

Ohio

Division of Plant Industry 

Ohio Department of Agriculture 

8995 East Main Street 

Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-3399 

614-728-6377 

Oklahoma

Plant Industry & Consumer Services 

Division 

Oklahoma Department of Agriculture 

2800 North Lincoln Blvd. 

P.O. Box 528804 

Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4298 

405-522-5879 

State Lead Agencies for Pesticide Regulation (cont’d) 
Reference Section 47

Oregon

Pesticides Division 

Oregon Department of Agriculture 

635 Capitol Street, NE 

Salem, OR 97301-2532 

503-986-4635 

Pennsylvania

Bureau of Plant Industry 

Pennsylvania Department of 

Agriculture 

2301 North Cameron Street 

Harrisburg, PA 17110-9408 

717-772-5217 

Puerto Rico

Analysis & Registration of 

Agricultural Materials 

Puerto Rico Department of 

Agriculture 

P.O. Box 10163 

Santurce, PR 00908-1163 

787-796-1710 

Rhode Island

Division of Agriculture & Resource 

Marketing 

Rhode Island Department of 

Environmental Management 

235 Promenade Street 

Providence, RI 02908-5767 

401-222-2781 

State Lead Agencies for Pesticide Regulation (cont’d) 

South Carolina

Department of Pesticide Regulation 

Clemson University 

511 Westinghouse Road 

Pendleton, SC 29670-8847 

864-646-2150 

South Dakota

Office of Agronomy Services 

Division of Agricultural Services 

South Dakota Department of 

Agriculture 

Foss Building, 523 East Capitol 

Pierre, SD 57501-3182 

605-773-4432 

Tennessee

Regulatory Services 

Tennessee Department of Agriculture 

P.O. Box 40627, Melrose Station 

Nashville, TN 37204-0627 

615-837-8152 

Texas

Texas Department of Agriculture 

P.O. Box 12847 

Austin, TX 78711 

512-463-1093 

Utah

Utah Department of Agriculture and 

Food 

350 North Redwood Road 

P.O. Box 146500 

Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6500 

801-538-7180 

Vermont

Vermont Department of Agriculture, 

Food and Markets 

116 State Street, Drawer 20 

Montpelier, VT 05620-2901 

802-828-2431 

Virgin Islands

Pesticide Program 

Division of Natural Resources 

Watergut Homes, Box 118, 

Christiansted 

St. Croix, Virgin Islands 00820 

809-773-0565 

Virginia

Office of Pesticide Services 

Virginia Department of Agriculture & 

Consumer Service 

P.O. Box 1163, Rm. 401-A 

Richmond, VA 23218-1163 

804-371-6559 

Washington

Registration Services 

Pesticide Management Division 

Washington Department of 

Agriculture 

P.O. Box 42589 

Olympia, WA 98504-2589 

360-902-2026 
48 Reference Section

GU, AS, CNMI

West Virginia

Plant Industries Division 

West Virginia Department of 

Agriculture 

1900 Kanawha Blvd., East 

Charleston, WV 25305-0190 

304-558-2209 

Wisconsin

Bureau of Agricultural Management 

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, 

Trade and Consumer Protection 

P.O. Box 8911 

Madison, WI 53708-8911 

608-224-4550 

Wyoming

Technical Services 

Wyoming Department of Agriculture 

2219 Carey Avenue 

Cheyenne, WY 82002-0100 

307-777-6590 

State Lead Agencies for Pesticide Regulation (cont’d) 
Index 49

Index 

L

Lawn Care ...................................................... 8–10 

M

Manual Methods ........................................... 12 

Measuring ...................................................... 18 

Microscopic Pathogens ................................. 12 

Mixing ............................................................ 18, 19, 21 

Mowing .......................................................... 9 

Mulch .............................................................. 8 

N

Non-Chemical Pest Controls ...................... 11, 12 

O

Outdoor Prevention ...................................... 7 

P

Parasitoids ...................................................... 11 

Pathogens ....................................................... 12 

Pest Control Company ................................ 36–38 

Pesticide Product Types ............................... 2 

Pets .................................................................. 20 

bathing ....................................................... 6 

poisoning ................................................... 34 

Poisoning ....................................................... 32–35 

eyes ............................................................. 33 

inhalation ................................................... 34 

skin .............................................................. 33 

swallowing ................................................ 33 

S

Seeds ............................................................... 7 

Soil .................................................................. 7–9 

Storing ............................................................ 23 

T

Thatch ............................................................. 9 

Tiller ............................................................... 8 

B

Beneficial Predators ...................................... 11 

Biochemical Pesticides ................................. 12 

Biological Controls ....................................... 11 

Breeding Sites ................................................ 7 

Burns (chemical) ............................................ 33 

C

Caulking ........................................................ 6 

Child-Resistant Packaging ........................... 23, 31 

Children (safety) ........................................... 20, 23, 30, 31 

Compost ......................................................... 10 

D

Dethatching Rake .......................................... 10 

Disease ............................................................ 7, 8 

Disposal .......................................................... 24, 25 

E

EPA Pesticide Incident 

Response Officer ....................................... 35 

F

Fertilize(r) ...................................................... 8, 9 

First Aid ......................................................... 32, 33 

eyes ............................................................. 33 

inhalation ................................................... 34 

skin .............................................................. 33 

swallowing ................................................ 33 

First Aid After Poisoning ............................. 33, 34 

Foggers (Total Release) ................................ 21 

G

Gardening ...................................................... 7 

Grass Type ..................................................... 9 

Ground Water ................................................ 21 

I

Indoor Prevention ........................................ 6 

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) ............ 3 
If the person is unconscious, havingtrouble breathing, or having convulsions . . .ACT FAST! Speed is crucial.

Give needed first aid immediately.

Call 911 or your local emergency service.If possible, have someone else call foremergency help while you give first aid.

If the person is awake or conscious, nothaving trouble breathing, and not havingconvulsions . . .

Read the label for first aid instructions.Call a doctor, a poison control center, a local

emergency service (911), or the NationalPesticide Information Center(toll free at 1-800-858-7378).

Give first aid.