Whether you are trying to enjoy the great outdoors, trying to grow a home garden, or farming, you may encounter some type of pest that may require some type of intervention. Although we encourage folks to utilize all the tools in their management tool box, like planting resistant varieties, using proper planting dates, or even deploying some hand labor, there are often times when a person may choose to use a pesticide as a final treatment option. It’s important to realize pests come in various forms – a weed, insect, disease, mite, nematode, or even a rodent. If you find yourself in need of using a pesticide, I want to remind you of some basic tips to help keep you safe.

Because pesticides are used to kill the things mentioned above, it is important you also protect yourself from potential hazards to humans. Signal words are written on the label to signify the toxicity level of the product. You will find the following signal words listed in order from least toxic to most toxic; “caution”, “warning”, and “danger”. The label will tell you how to store and safely use the product; what crops, animals, or sites can be treated and what precautions are required; what to do if you are accidentally exposed to the product; the type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that you must wear to use it; the correct application rate and any restrictions; and how long to wait after application before re-entering the treated area or harvesting the crop. I can’t stress enough the importance of reading and fully understanding the product label before mixing, loading, or applying any pesticide.

Always be careful not to allow the product to come in contact with your skin, mouth, or eyes. You should also not breathe in pesticide dust or vapor. Using proper personal protective equipment will help prevent such exposures when worn, washed, and stored properly. Be mindful of taking frequent breaks and staying hydrated when wearing additional PPE in the heat. Never smoke, eat, or drink when using or around pesticides. Don’t let people, animals, and pets enter recently treated areas until the restricted entry interval (REI) has expired.

When mixing and applying pesticides, be sure to measure the area to be treated and calibrate your equipment correctly. Check your math to make certain you do not apply more than the label rate allows. Locate any wells, streams, or sewer drains to be sure to mix and load pesticides as far away as possible to prevent contamination. Before you add pesticide to the tank, test the equipment with clean water to make sure that everything works correctly. While filling sprayers, prevent back-flow by keeping the hose above the level of liquid in the tank. Do not apply pesticides on a windy day or when rain is likely to occur. Do not apply pesticides to a buffer zone between treated areas and streams, ponds, homes, playgrounds, or other sensitive areas.

Following these tips is a great start to safe pesticide use regardless if you are a beginner or experienced applicator. Licensed applicators in North Carolina are required to earn continuing education credits to maintain their certification. North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, has several training opportunities coming up with additional ways to protect yourself and the environment, so be sure to get more information and register.

• Private Applicator V Recertification– August 6, (9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.) 2 hr category V credits

• Pesticide Hazards and First Aid – August 6, (1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.) 2 hr A, B, D, G, H, I, K, L, M, N, O, T
• Making Good PPE Choices – September 25, (1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.) 2 hr A, B,D, G, H, I, K, L, M, N, O, T credits
• Private Applicator V Training – September 25, (3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.) 2 hr V credit

For more information, contact Mac Malloy, County Extension Director and Field Crop Agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Robeson County Center, at (910) 671-3276, by E-mail at Mac_Malloy@ncsu.edu.