Do not apply insecticides when temperatures are unusually low because residues will remain toxic much longer. Although most pesticides break down quickly, remaining in the environment only a short time before being changed into harmless products, some pesticides break down slowly and stay in the environment for a long time. These are called persistent pesticides. Some persistent pesticides can build up in the bodies of animals, including man. These pesticides are called accumulative.
Most persistent pesticides have very limited usage or have been removed from the market.
For example, chlordane is a persistent pesticide and its use was limited to termite and fire ant control but has been removed from the market. Pesticides become problems when they move off target. This may mean drifting off the target if in the form of dust or mist, moving with soil particles by erosion, leaching through the soil, being carried out as residues on crops or livestock, or evaporating and moving with air currents. Safe Use Precautions Following safety precautions and using common sense can prevent harm from pesticides. Here are the minimum safety steps you should take.