These guidelines are designed to assist homeowners minimize their exposure to pesticides and reduce the risks to public health and the environment. They do this by presenting helpful information about environmentally sound methods for the storing and handling of pesticides. It is important to read and follow the pesticide label. The label contains information concerning directions for use, application site and rate, storage and disposal, active ingredients, protective equipment needs and the types of pests controlled. Using a pesticide in a manner that is inconsistent with its label requirements is a violation of Federal law.
Safety is the key element in pesticide storage.
The safest approach to any pesticide problem is to limit the amounts and types of pesticide stored. The amounts and types of pesticides stored should be maintained at the level that is immediately required and should not be stored beyond immediate needs. In particular, the area should be evaluated for potential risks to human health due to accidental spills, fires or contamination of drinking water supplies. Pesticides should be stored out of the reach of children outside of your home in a garage or other outside storage area such as a shed. Pesticides should not be stored over soil that is coarse or sandy or over surfaces that drain easily such as gravel because the pesticide can then easily move through the soil into the ground water.