Pesticides for Garden Use Pest Control Tips for Homeowners

Pesticide safety is not an exclusive for the nurseryman or farmer. Homeowners who apply pesticides to the garden and landscape need to carry the same concerns for protection.

The growing season brings not only warmer weather along with new plant growth but also pests and fungus to attack our roses and other outdoor bushes and trees. To fight off the fungus and insects which can devour our foliage and make our blooms unattractive.

Spider mites if left unchallenged can defoliate a rose bush in a matter of days. To wage war on these natural plant terrorist with the goal of creating a healthy environment for our plants to develop and prosper, the use of chemical pesticdes usually comes in to play.

Pesticides when used properly do a very good job of controlling and protecting plants in the landscape against pests and fungus. Pesticides also carry the potential to harm people, pets, wildlife and the effect the environment when used as not specified on the label or used unwisely.

As toxic as a pesticide chemicals can be to humans, the do offer many benefits and it is possible to safely and harmlessly handle as well as apply pesticides with little risk. For starters using a pesticide properly even homemade pest control for ants or the garden requires a basic knowledge and understanding of pesticides.

Pesticide applicators must:

• Be aware of what they are doing
• Know the chemical being applied and respect the effects and dangers
• Understand correct use of the personal protection equipment required for proper application
• Be trained in the use of the application method
• Posses some common sense

Pesticide knowledge plays an important role when determining the specific use and what type of pests you are trying to control. For example, the chemcial “Malathion” is used to control insects where the chemical “Avid” a miticide is used to battle mites.

In order to control pests and disease on plants and use them properly its important to understand that plant chemicals work much drugs we take. Each drug works on a specific problem.

Insecticides, miticides and fungicides all fight different plant problems. Selecting the right pesticide is as important in using pesticides properly.

How Toxic is Toxic?

Without getting technical pesticides are grouped into “levels” and carry the following “words” on the bottles, bag or canisters describing the level of potential harm

• DANGER
• WARNING
• CAUTION

Notice none of the categories listed are “non-toxic.” This means caution should always be used when handling these chemicals - even if the a pesticide only carries a small likelihood of being harmful. This is not limited to pesticides – household bleach carries a DANGER warning!

Getting Protective

When making the decision to use pesticides on the lawn or in the garden, personal protection from pesticide exposure before, during and after use are of primary importance.

Using pesticides safely and limiting pesticide exposure may require protective clothing including:

• Gloves
• Long-sleeved shirt
• Shoes / Rubber boots
• Long pants
• Hat
• Eye protection
• Respirator

Most pesticides are harmful when inhaled, absorbed through the skin or coming in direct contact through the eyes or on the skin. The body needs adequate protection to minimize any chemical contact.