United States

Environmental Protection

Agency

Prevention, Pesticides,

and Toxic Substances

(7501C)

Citizens Guide to Pest Control

and Pesticide Safety

EPA 730-K-95-001

September 1995
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

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:

Dont 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

Addresses ............................................................................................ 44

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

u State Pesticide Agencies ........................................................... 45

Index .............................................................................................. 49

Contents

............................................

...............................................
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 lawsthe Federal Insecticide, Fungicide,

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

Cosmetic Act (FFDCA). Most all 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 control

pests safely.

Foreword
2

Introduction

SOONER OR LATER, were all pestered by pests. Whether

its 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 Citizens 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 familys 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.

Introduction

Did you know that these common

household products are pesticides?

✔ Cockroach sprays and baits.

✔ Insect sprays and wasp repellents

for indoor use.

✔ Insect repellents for personal use.

✔ Termite control products.

✔ Rat and other rodent poisons.

✔ Flea and tick sprays, powders, and

pet collars.

✔ Kitchen, laundry, and bath disinfectants

and sanitizers, including bleach.

✔ Products to kill mold and mildew.

✔ Lawn and garden products such as

weed killers.

✔ Swimming pool chemicals, including those

that kill algae.

✔ Repellents that keep deer, raccoons, or

rabbits away from your garden.
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.

Its 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.

Pests, Pest Control, and Pesticides

Some signs of pest infestation are unmistakable.
4

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 controlfiguring out exactly what youre up

against. Some pests (or signs of them) are unmistakablemost

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.

2 Decide 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

3 Choose 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 youre still uncertain, get

further advice from the free sources listed in Step 1.

4 Evaluate 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.

Its 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.

Pests, Pest Control, and Pesticides

The first step in pest control is to

identify the pest.
6

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 Dont 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

Preventing Pests

Remove breeding sites.

Clean up litter or garbage.
8

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. Do not use newspapers to

keep down weeds or to fertilize plants.

Newsprint may contain toxic metals such

as lead and mercury.

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 dont have to be an

expert to grow a healthy lawnthe 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.

Preventing Pests

Before planting, add organic matter to

enrich the soil mixture in your garden plot.
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, dont 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 isnt

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 drynesswhen 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.

Preventing Pests

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

EPAs 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.
11

Using Non-Chemical

Pest Controls

Using Non-Chemical Pest Controls

PURPLE MARTIN

SPIDER

LADYBUG

YOUVE 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 pests 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.

CENTIPEDE

MINI-WASP

Beneficial Predators
12

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 insects 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 Non-Chemical Pest Controls
13

Using Chemical

Pest Controls

Using Chemical Pest Controls

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

chemicalby itself or, preferably, combined with non-chemical

treatmentsbe 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 3638 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 formsincluding 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 readyto-use forms, such as aerosols and spray bottles, which are often

more practical and easy to use because they dont 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 Telecommunications

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

for assistance. (See pages 4548 in the Reference Section for

state contacts.)

Read the label before you

buy or use a pesticide product.
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 wordeither Danger-Poison, Danger,

Warning, or Caution on the pesticide label. The signal

word tells you how poisonous the product is to humans.

(See page 16.)

Pesticide products labeled Danger-Poison are Restricted Use

and are mainly used under the supervision of a certified

applicator. For the most part, these products should not be

available for sale to the consumer.

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

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

Using Chemical Pest Controls

DANGER-POISON means highly poisonous.

DANGER means poisonous or corrosive.

WARNING means moderately hazardous.

CAUTION means least hazardous.

Choose the form of pesticide best

suited to your target site and the

pest you want to control.
16

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 benefitsthe 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 wordsCaution, Warning, or Danger

indicate the pesticides 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.

Using Chemical Pest Controls

Main sections on front label.
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 damageif its 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.

7 First 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 control 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.

Using Chemical Pest Controls

Some pesticides have small foldout booklets

containing the label information.

Main sections on back label.
18

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 wont 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

isnt 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 labelonly

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 3941 in

the Reference Section.

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 pesticidesspoons, cups, bottlesto prepare

food, even if youve washed them.

When using pesticides that must

be mixed, determine the correct

amount for your immediate use.
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. Dont change the recommended

amount. Dont think that twice the amount will do twice the job.

It wont. 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.)

Using Pesticides Safely and Correctly

When using a pesticide

✔ Read and follow the label directions.

✔ Wear protective clothing.

✔ Dont smoke or eat.

✔ Mix and apply only the amount

you need.
20

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 containersones that clearly identify

the contents. Refasten all childproof caps tightly.

u If a spill occurs, clean it up promptly. Dont

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;

dont treat entire floors, walls, or ceilings.

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

cabinets. Dont 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.

Using Pesticides Safely and Correctly

Mix pesticides outdoors

or in a well-ventilated area.
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 dont 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 EPAs brochure Pesticides in Drinking Water

Wells. (See page 42 for information on how to

order a copy from EPAs Public Information Center.)

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.

Using Pesticides Safely and Correctly

Keep children and pets away from

areas where you apply pesticides.
22

After Applying a Pesticide, Indoors or Outdoors

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

equipment three times, including any containers or utensils that

you used when mixing the pesticide. Then pour the rinsewater

into the pesticide sprayer and reuse the solution by applying it

according to the pesticide product label directions. (See pages

2425 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 any

clothes that have been exposed to a lot of pesticide separately

from your regular wash.

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 didnt work. Again, do not assume that using

more pesticide than the label recommends

will do a better job. It wont.

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 EPAs Pesticide Incident

Response Officer (see page 35).

Wash clothing worn when using pesticides

separately from other laundry.

Using Pesticides Safely and Correctly
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 Dont 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 correctlyclose 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 childrens reachthose products that are sold in childresistant 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 cant identify the contents of the container, or

if you cant tell how old the contents are, follow the

advice on safe disposal in the next section.

Storing and Disposing of Pesticides Properly

Store pesticides in a locked

cabinet out of reach of

children and pets.

Never transfer pesticides to soft

drink bottles or other containers

that children or others may

mistake for something to eat

or drink.
24

Safe Disposal of Pesticides

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

to use themapply themaccording 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 management authority,

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 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 agencies 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. Wrap the container in

several layers of newspaper and tie it securely. Put

the package 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 Wrap individual packages of dry pesticides in several layers of

newspaper (or place the 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.

Storing and Disposing of Pesticides Properly

Do not pour leftover pesticides

down the sink, into the toilet, or

down a sewer or street drain.
25

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.

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, a pesticide container should be rinsed carefully

three times and the rinsewater thoroughly drained back into the

sprayer or the container previously used to mix the pesticide.

Use the rinsewater as a pesticide, following label directions.

Replace the cap or closure securely. Dispose of the container

according to label instructions. Do not puncture or burn a

pressurized container like an aerosolit could explode. Do cut

or puncture other empty pesticide containers made of metal or

plastic to prevent someone from reusing them. Wrap the empty

container and put it in the trash after you have rinsed it.

u Many communities have programs to recycle household waste

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

containers, however, unless the label specifically states that the

empty container may be recycled after cleaning.

Storing and Disposing of Pesticides Properly

Follow the label directions for disposal.
26

EVEN IF YOU NEVER USE PESTICIDES YOURSELF, you

can still be exposed to themat home, school, work, or playby

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

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 foodespecially if you decide

not to use chemical pesticides on your produce and

you choose a garden site where drift or runoff from a

neighbors use of pesticides will not result in unintended

residues on your food. If your house is regularly treated for

pest prevention, dont 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 isnt 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.

Reducing Your Exposure When Others Use Pesticides

Rinse fruits and vegetables with water.

Scrub them with a brush and peel them,

if possible.
28

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

settingsfor example, when sandy soil lies over a ground-water

source that is near the surfacepesticides can seep down through

the soil to the ground water.

To ensure a safe supply of drinking water, EPAs 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.

Reducing Your Exposure When Others Use Pesticides

Do not fish in water bodies where

contamination has occurred.

EPA sets standards for chemicals that

may be found in drinking water.
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 4448 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 control center.

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 EPAs pesticide hotline (1-800-858-7378),

6:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Pacific time (9:30 a.m.7:30 p.m. Eastern

time) MondayFriday, for advice on the appropriate steps to take.

Reducing Your Exposure When Others Use Pesticides

Air out the building adequately after

a pesticide is applied indoors.
30

Poisoned by Pesticides:

Dont Let This Happen

to Your Child!

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

found 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 dont store

pesticides out of their reach or if you dont read the

label carefully before using the pesticide product.

The dangers are real. In 1993 alone, an estimated

80,000 children were exposed to or poisoned by

a household pesticide product that was 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 out of childrens 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 pesticidesindoors or outdoorsremove

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 pesticideby a phone

call, for examplebe 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.

Poisoned by Pesticides: Dont Let This Happen to Your Child!

Where do you store your pesticides?

A 1992 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.
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 othersespecially babysitters, grandparents,

and other caregiversknow about the potential hazards

of pesticides.

u Teach children that pesticides are poisonssomething they

should never touch or eat.

u Keep the telephone number of your nearest

poison control center near each phone. Have

the pesticide container handy when you call.

u Always keep Syrup of Ipecac on hand (in your

medicine cabinet) to use to induce vomiting.

(Be sure the date is current.) But do not give

it to your child until a physician or poison

control center advises you to do so. The

pesticide label may not recommend using

Syrup of Ipecac.

Poisoned by Pesticides: Dont Let This Happen to Your Child!

Store pesticides out of childrens reach.
32

Handling a Pesticide

Emergency

Handling 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 a doctor, a poison control

center, a local emergency service

(911), or the National Pesticide

Telecommunications Network

(toll free at 1-800-858-7378).

Give first aid.

Help! Someones Been Poisoned!

What To Do in 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 actiontaking 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 a doctor, a poison control

center, a local emergency service (911), or the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (toll free 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. Always keep Syrup

of Ipecac on hand (in your medicine cabinet) to use to induce

vomiting. Be sure the date on the bottle is current. Induce

vomiting only if a poison control center or physician advises

you to do so, or if instructions on the pesticide label say so.

If there is no label available to guide you, do not induce

vomiting. Never induce vomiting if the victim is unconscious

or is having convulsions.

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.

Dry victim and wrap in blanket. 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.

Handling a Pesticide Emergency

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

information from the pesticide label.
34

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.

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 victims tight clothing. If the victims 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 911 or your local

emergency service immediately. Have the pesticide label at hand

when you call.

u Take the pesticide product container with its label to the

doctors office or emergency room where the victim will be

treated. 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 NPTN,

the National Pesticide Telecommunications Network, a

toll-free telephone service that operates Monday through

Friday, from 6:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m. Pacific time (9:30 a.m.

7:30 p.m. Eastern time). NPTN provides information on

pesticides and how to recognize and respond to pesticide

poisonings. If necessary, staff at NPTN can transfer your

call directly to a local poison control center. Call NPTN toll

free at 1-800-858-7378.

NPTN 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.

Handling a Pesticide Emergency

National Pesticide

Telecommunications Network

(NPTN)

Call Toll Free 1-800-858-7378
35

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.

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 1925.

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

401 M Street, SW

Washington, DC 20460

Handling a Pesticide Emergency
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 operators licence is current if one is

required in your state. Also, ask if the companys 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 4548 for addresses and phone numbers.)

In addition, possession of a city licensewhere they are

issuedis 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.
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.

3 Does the company have a good track record?

Dont 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 the Better Business Bureau or local

consumer office and find out if they have received complaints

about the company.

4 Does 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 workmens 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.

5 Does 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

companys 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 associationsnational,

state, or localkeep 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.

Choosing a Pest Control 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

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.

Choosing a Pest Control Company
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 rooms

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 4041) 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 = 1⁄2 fl. oz.

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

3 ft. wide

Reference Section

6
40

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.

1 per 10,000 cu.ft. Use: 2 cans 1 can dont use

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

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

Reference Section

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

✔ Search for another pesticide product

or a less concentrated form of the

same pesticide.

✔ Find a more accurate measuring

device, such as a graduated cylinder or

a scale that measures small weights.
42

For More Information

For additional copies of this booklet, or for more information on

subjects discussed in this booklet, contact

EPAs Public Information Center (PIC), 401 M Street, SW, Washington,

DC 20460 (Telephone: 202-260-2080); or the National Center for

Environmental Publications and Information (NCEPI), P.O. Box 42419,

Cincinnati, OH 45242-2419 (Telephone: 513-489-8190 or

Fax: 513-489-8695).

PIC and NCEPI have the following free information available:

u Healthy Lawn, Healthy Environment (EPA 700-K-92-005).

u Pesticides in Drinking Water Wells (EPA 20T-1004).

u Pest Control in the School Environment: Adopting Integrated

Pest Management (EPA 735-F-93-012).

u Pesticides and Child Safety fact sheet (English and Spanish)

(EPA 735-F-93-050 and EPA 735-F-93-051).

u Using Insect Repellents Safely fact sheet (English and Spanish).

u Safety Precautions for Total Release Foggers fact sheet.

u NCEPI also has EPAs National Publications Catalog 1995

(EPA 703-B-95-001) and the Catalog of Office of Pesticide Programs

(OPP) Publications and Other Information Media (EPA 730-B-94-001).

Other sources for information about pesticides and pest control

include

u The National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN)

1-800-858-7378 (general public), 6:30 a.m.4:30 p.m. Pacific time

(9:30 a.m.7:30 p.m. Eastern time) MondayFriday. NPTN

provides the following information:

u Pesticide information.

u Information on recognizing and managing pesticide

poisonings.

u Safety information.

u Health and environmental effects.

u Referrals for investigation of pesticide incidents and

emergency treatment information.

u Cleanup and disposal procedures, and much more.

Reference Section
43

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.

u State agriculture and environmental agencies may publish

information on pests, pest management strategies, and state

pesticide regulations. (See state contacts on pages 4548.)

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.

u The California Department of Pesticide Regulations

Environmental Monitoring and Pest Management Branch

publishes a booklet on mail order sources of biological control

organisms. Single free copies of Suppliers of Beneficial Organisms

in North America are available by writing the Department at

1020 N Street, Room 161, Sacramento, CA 95814-5624.

Telephone: 916-324-4100.

u Bio-Integral Resource Center (BIRC), a non-profit organization

formed in 1978 through an EPA grant, has information on least

toxic methods for pest management. Write to P.O. Box 7414,

Berkeley, CA 94707.

Reference Section
43
44

Headquarters

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Office of Pesticide Programs (7506C)

401 M Street, SW

Washington, DC 20460

Telephone: (703) 305-5017

Fax: (703) 305-5558

EPA Regional Offices

U.S. EPA, Region 1

Air, Pesticides and Toxic Management

Division

State Assistance Office (ASO)

1 Congress Street

Boston, MA 02203

Telephone: (617) 565-3932

Fax: (617) 565-4939

U.S. EPA, Region 2

Building 10 (MS-105)

Pesticides and Toxics Branch

2890 Woodbridge Avenue

Edison, NJ 08837-3679

Telephone: (908) 321-6765

Fax: (908) 321-6788

U.S. EPA, Region 3

Toxics and Pesticides Branch (3AT-30)

841 Chestnut Building

Philadelphia, PA 19107

Telephone: (215) 597-8598

Fax: (215) 597-3156

U.S. EPA, Region 4

Pesticides and Toxics Branch

(4-APT-MD)

345 Courtland Street, NE

Atlanta, GA 30365

Telephone: (404) 347-5201

Fax: (404) 347-5056

U.S. EPA, Region 5

Pesticides and Toxics Branch (SP-14J)

77 West Jackson Boulevard

Chicago, IL 60604

Telephone: (312) 886-6006

Fax: (312) 353-4342

U.S. EPA, Region 6

Pesticides and Toxics Branch (6PD-P)

1445 Ross Avenue

Dallas, TX 75202-2733

Telephone: (214) 665-7240

Fax: (214) 665-7263

U.S. EPA, Region 7

Water, Wetlands and Pesticides Division

726 Minnesota Avenue

Kansas City, KS 66101

Telephone: (913) 551-7030

Fax: (913) 551-7065

U.S. EPA, Region 8

Air, Radiation and Toxics Division

(8ART)

One Denver Place, Suite 500

999 18th Street

Denver, CO 80202-2405

Telephone: (303) 293-1730

Fax: (303) 293-1229

U.S. EPA, Region 9

Pesticides and Toxics Branch (A-4)

75 Hawthorne Street

San Francisco, CA 94105

Telephone: (415) 744-1090

Fax: (415) 744-1073

U.S. EPA, Region 10

Pesticides and Toxics Branch (AT-083)

1200 Sixth Avenue

Seattle, WA 98101

Telephone: (206) 553-1091

Fax: (206) 553-8338

Reference Section

EPA Addresses

EPA Regions
45

Region 3

Delaware

Deputy Secretary

Delaware Department of Agriculture

Division of Consumer Protection

2320 South DuPont Highway

Dover, DE 19901

(302) 739-4811

District of Columbia

Program Manager

Pesticide Hazardous Waste and

Underground Storage Tank Division

Environmental Regulation

Administration

Department of Consumer and

Regulatory Affairs

2100 Martin Luther King, Jr.

Avenue, SE, Room 203

Washington, DC 20020

(202) 645-6080

Maryland

Chief

Pesticide Regulation Section

Office of Plant Industries and

Pest Management

Maryland Department of Agriculture

50 Harry S. Truman Parkway

Annapolis, MD 21401-7080

(410) 841-5710

Pennsylvania

Chief

Agronomic Services Division

Bureau of Plant Industry

Pennsylvania Department of

Agriculture

2301 North Cameron Street

Harrisburg, PA 17110-9408

(717) 787-4843

Virginia

Program Manager

Office of Pesticide Services

Virginia Department of Agriculture

and Consumer Service

P.O. Box 1163

Richmond, VA 23209

(804) 371-6558

West Virginia

Director

Pesticide Division

West Virginia Department of

Agriculture

1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East

Charleston, WV 25305-0190

(304) 558-2209

Region 1

Connecticut

Director

Pesticide Management Division

Department of Environmental

Protection

79 Elm Street

Hartford, CT 06106

(203) 424-3369

Maine

Director

Board of Pesticide Control

Maine Department of Agriculture

State House Station #28

Augusta, ME 04333

(207) 287-2731

Massachusetts

Chief

Pesticides Bureau

Massachusetts Department of Food

and Agriculture

100 Cambridge Street, 21st Floor

Boston, MA 02202

(617) 727-3000

New Hampshire

Director

Division of Pesticide Control

New Hampshire Department of

Agriculture, Markets and Food

P.O. Box 2042

Concord, NH 03302-2042

(603) 271-3550

Rhode Island

Chief

Division of Agriculture

Rhode Island Department of

Environmental Management

22 Hayes Street

Providence, RI 02908

(401) 277-2782

Vermont

Director

Plant Industry, Laboratory and

Standards Division

Vermont Department

of Agriculture

116 State Street

Montpelier, VT 05602

(802) 828-2431

Region 2

New Jersey

Assistant Director

Pesticide Control Program

New Jersey Department of

Environmental Protection

CN 411

Trenton, NJ 08625-0411

(609) 530-4011

New York

Chief

Bureau of Pesticides and Radiation

Division of Solid and Hazardous

Materials Regulation

New York Department of

Environmental Conservation

50 Wolf Road

Albany, NY 12233-7254

(518) 457-7482

Puerto Rico

Director

Analysis and Registration of

Agricultural Materials

Puerto Rico Department of Agriculture

Agrological Laboratory

P.O. Box 10163

Santurce, PR 00908

(809) 796-1735

Virgin Islands

Pesticide Program Director

8000 Nisky Center, Suite 231

Estate Nisky, Charlotte Amalie

St. Thomas, US VI 00802

(809) 774-3320, ext. 135

Reference Section

Addresses for State Pesticide Agencies
46

Region 5

Illinois

Chief

Bureau of Environmental Programs

Illinois Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 19281

Springfield, IL 62794-9281

(217) 785-2427

Indiana

Pesticide Administrator

Office of the Indiana State Chemist

1154 Biochemistry Building

Purdue University

West Lafayette, IN 47907-1154

(317) 494-1585

Michigan

Director

Pesticide and Plant

Management Division

Michigan Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 30017

Lansing, MI 48909

(517) 373-1087

Minnesota

Director

Division of Agronomy Services

Minnesota Department of Agriculture

90 West Plato Boulevard

St. Paul, MN 55107

(612) 296-5639

Ohio

Specialist in Charge of

Pesticide Regulation

Division of Plant Industry

Ohio Department of Agriculture

8995 East Main Street

Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-3399

(614) 728-6987

Wisconsin

Administrator

Agricultural Resources

Management Division

Wisconsin Department of Agriculture

Trade and Consumer Protection

2811 Agriculture Drive

Madison, WI 53704

(608) 224-4546

North Carolina

Assistant Pesticide Administrator

Food and Drug Protection Division

North Carolina Department of

Agriculture

P.O. Box 27647

Raleigh, NC 27611-0647

(919) 733-3556

South Carolina

Department Head

Department of Pesticide Regulation

257 Poole Agriculture Center

Clemson University

Clemson, SC 29634-0394

(803) 656-3171

Tennessee

Director

Plant Industries Division

Tennessee Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 40627

Nashville, TN 37204

(615) 360-0130

Region 4

Alabama

Director

Division of Plant Protection and

Pesticide Management

Alabama Department of

Agriculture and Industries

P.O. Box 3336

Montgomery, AL 36109-0336

(334) 242-2656

Florida

Director

Division of Agricultural

Environmental Services

Department of Agriculture

and Consumer Services

3125 Conner Boulevard

Tallahassee, FL 32399-1650

(904) 488-3731

Georgia

Assistant Commissioner

Plant Industry Division

Georgia Department of Agriculture

19 Martin Luther King Drive, SW

Atlanta, GA 30334

(404) 656-4958

Kentucky

Director

Division of Pesticides

Kentucky Department

of Agriculture

100 Fair Oaks Lane

Frankfort, KY 40601

(502) 564-7274

Mississippi

Director

Bureau of Plant Industry

Mississippi Department of

Agriculture and Commerce

P.O. Box 5207

Mississippi State, MS 39762

(601) 325-3390

Reference Section

State Pesticide Agencies (contd)
47

Region 7

Iowa

Chief

Pesticide Bureau

Iowa Department of Agriculture

Henry A. Wallace Building

East 9th Street and Grand Avenue

Des Moines, IA 50319

(515) 281-8591

Kansas

Director

Plant Health Division

Kansas Department of Agriculture

109 S.W. 9th Street

Topeka, KS 66612-1281

(913) 296-2263

Missouri

Director

Bureau of Pesticide Control

Missouri Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 630

Jefferson City, MO 65102

(314) 751-2462

Nebraska

Director

Bureau of Plant Industry

Nebraska Department of Agriculture

301 Centennial Mall

P.O. Box 94756

Lincoln, NE 68509

(402) 471-2394

Region 8

Colorado

Director

Division of Plant Industry

Colorado Department of Agriculture

700 Kipling Street, Suite 4000

Lakewood, CO 80215-5894

(303) 239-4140

Montana

Administrator

Agricultural Sciences Division

Montana Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 200201

Helena, MT 59620-0201

(406) 444-2944

North Dakota

Director

Pesticide Division

North Dakota Department

of Agriculture

State Capitol, 600 East Boulevard,

6th Floor

Bismarck, ND 58505-0020

(701) 328-4756

South Dakota

Administrator

Office of Agronomy Services

Agricultural Services

South Dakota Department of

Agriculture

Foss Building

523 E. Capitol

Pierre, SD 57501-3182

(605) 773-4432

Utah

Director

Division of Plant Industry

Utah Department of Agriculture

Box 146500

Salt Lake City, UT 84114-6500

(801) 538-7180

Wyoming

Director

Technical Services

Wyoming Department of Agriculture

2219 Carey Avenue

Cheyenne, WY 82002-0100

(307) 777-6590

Region 6

Arkansas

Director

Division of Feeds, Fertilizer

and Pesticides

Arkansas State Plant Board

#1 Natural Resources Drive

Little Rock, AR 72205

(501) 225-1598

Louisiana

Director

Pesticide and Environmental Programs

Louisiana Department of

Agriculture and Forestry

P.O. Box 3596

Baton Rouge, LA 70821-3596

(504) 925-3763

New Mexico

Chief

Bureau of Pesticide Management

Division of Agricultural and

Environmental Services

New Mexico State Department

of Agriculture

P.O. Box 3005, Department 3AQ

New Mexico State University

Las Cruces, NM 88003-0005

(505) 646-2133

Oklahoma

Director

Department of Environmental Quality

Plant Industry and Consumer Services

Oklahoma Department of Agriculture

2800 North Lincoln Boulevard

Oklahoma City, OK 73105-4298

(405) 271-1400

Texas

Assistant Commissioner for

Pesticides

Texas Department of

Agriculture

P.O. Box 12847

Austin, TX 78711

(512) 463-7624

Reference Section

State Pesticide Agencies (contd)
48

American Samoa EPA

Office of the Governor

American Samoa Government

P.O. Box 2609

Pago Pago, American Samoa 97699

(684) 633-2304

Commonwealth of the Northern

Mariana Islands

Department of Public Works

Division of Environmental Quality

Commonwealth of the Northern

Mariana Islands (CNMI)

P.O. Box 1304

Saipan, Mariana Islands 96950

(670) 234-6984

Region 10

Idaho

Administrator

Division of Agricultural Technology

Idaho Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 790

Boise, ID 83701-0790

(208) 334-3550

Oregon

Administrator

Plant Division

Oregon Department of Agriculture

635 Capitol Street, NE

Salem, OR 97310-0110

(503) 986-4635

Washington

Assistant Director

Pesticide Management Division

Washington State Department

of Agriculture

P.O. Box 42560

Olympia, WA 98504-2560

(360) 902-2010

Alaska

Director

Division of Environmental Health

Alaska Department of

Environmental Conservation

410 Willoughby Avenue, Room 107

Juneau, AK 99801-1795

(907) 465-5280

Region 9

Arizona

Director

Environmental Services Division

Arizona Department of Agriculture

1688 West Adams

Phoenix, AZ 85007

(602) 542-3578

California

Director

California Department of

Pesticide Regulation

1020 N Street, Room 100

Sacramento, CA 95814-5624

(916) 445-4300

Hawaii

Administrator

Pesticide Programs

Hawaii Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 22159

Honolulu, HI 96823-2159

(808) 973-9401

Nevada

Director

Bureau of Plant Industry

Nevada Division of

Agriculture

350 Capitol Hill Avenue

Reno, NV 89520

(702) 688-1180

Guam

Pesticide Program Director

Guam Environmental

Protection Agency

P.O. Box 22439-GMF

Barrigada, GU 96921

(671) 472-8863

Reference Section

State Pesticide Agencies (contd)
Index 49

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 ................................ 34, 35

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

G

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

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

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

I

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

Integrated Pest

 Management (IPM) ....................................... 3

L

Lawn Care ........................................................ 810

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 ................................... 3638

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

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

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

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

Poisoning........................................................... 3235

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

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

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

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

S

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

Soil ..................................................................... 79

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

T

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

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

Index
50

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 a doctor, a poison control center, a local

emergency service (911), or the National

Pesticide Telecommunications Network

(toll free at 1-800-858-7378).

Give first aid.

Help! Someones Been Poisoned!

What To Do in a Pesticide Emergency