In addition to producing fruits, vegetables or ornamentals, people often garden for enjoyment and exercise. If a pest invades your garden patch, you can pick it off, pull it up, or do nothing and hope it will go away. Commercial agriculture is a for profit business. Chemical pest control plays a major role in modern agriculture, and has contributed to dramatic increases in crop yields over the past four decades for most field, fruit and vegetable crops. Pesticides have enabled some growers to produce some crops profitably in otherwise unsuitable locations, extend growing seasons, maintain product quality and extend shelf life.
Most gardeners purchase pesticides at retail stores.
These stores often have information on what pesticide to use to control a pest, but rarely have information on safe use, storage or disposal. In addition, sales personnel are rarely knowledgeable of pesticide safety, but frequently provide advice when asked. The best source of information on the safe use of pesticides in gardens, and around the home, is the county Extension office. In addition, most states have a Master Gardeners program supported through the Extension Service. Master Gardeners are volunteers that have training in all aspects of gardening, including the safe use, storage, and disposal of pesticides.