Safe Storage of Pesticides

Improper pesticide storage and disposal can be hazardous to your health, the health of your family and pets and extremely dangerous to the environment. If conditions are such that you must use pesticides, make sure you are aware of how to do so safely. Here are some simple safety tips on using pesticides.

Pesticide Handling and Storage Safety Tips

Don't stockpile. Reduce storage needs by buying only the amount of pesticide that you will need in the near future or during the current season when the pest is active.

Follow all storage instructions on the pesticide label.

Store pesticides high enough so that they are out of reach of children and pets. If possible, keep all pesticides in a locked cabinet in a well-ventilated utility area or garden shed.

Never store pesticides in cabinets with or near food, animal feed, or medical supplies.

Store any pesticides that may be flammable outside your living area. Keep them away from any possible ignition source such as a furnace, a car, an outdoor grill, or a power lawn power.

Always store pesticides in their original containers, making sure it has the label listing ingredients, directions for use, and first aid steps in case of accidental poisoning.

Never transfer pesticides to soft drink bottles or other containers. Children or others may mistake them for something to eat or drink.

Use child-resistant packaging correctly. Close the container tightly after using the product. Child resistant does not mean child proof, so you still must be extra careful to store properly, out of children's reach, those products that are sold in child-resistant packaging.

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.

If you can't identify the contents of the container, or if you can't tell how old the contents are, follow the advice on safe disposal.

You can get additional information here:

Safe Pesticide Transport and Handling (560.90 kb)

Knowing how to safely handle and store pesticides will make them safer to use when necessary.

Staying above the water line!

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