How to use pesticides in a safe manner

Without a doubt, pests are a nuisance, and the best thing is to eliminate them. Whereas environmental experts would want free surroundings free of chemicals, sometimes the use of pesticides is inevitable. There are many types of pesticides flooding the market that promise fast results and instant relief from an infestation. 

Most people ponder if indeed they are effective. “Does diatomaceous earth kill bed bugs?” most house owners infested with bedbugs would wonder. Despite their effectiveness, there’s a general worry that they aren’t safe and may affect your health. Besides, they may negatively impact on the environment. While all these worries are understandable, it all comes down to safety use. Here, we dig deeper into how to use pesticides safely. Scroll on.

Minimize the use of pesticides

Pesticides are chemicals, no two ways about it. The first step in the safe use of pesticides is to understand that these are made of chemicals. Although the use of natural methods helps in limiting the dangers of exposure to chemicals, some stubborn pests can only die from chemical exposure.

Therefore, you can limit the use of chemicals by combining both methods. Clear any food or water sources where pests likely hang out to get something to eat. For example, if you have leaking pipes, repair them, or have a regular maintenance program.

Some pests like cockroaches hide inside the sink drainage in search of water. These insects can go for many weeks without feeding on any solid matter as long as they can drink some water. Destroy their shelters, and anywhere they’re likely to breed.

Maintain a clean home and a clean environment. Remove any debris around the home. Burn litter and maintain lean lawn grass. If you have pets such as dogs, keep their dwellings as clean as possible. Shampoo your pets to keep away fleas and wash their beddings materials with a disinfectant.

Inside the house, have proper aeration and natural sunlight by keeping the windows and curtains open during the day. Have a schedule aerate your beddings out on the open space to keep away bed bugs. When it comes to the control of cockroaches, keep the kitchen clean and wipe off any food that remains on the floor, tabletop, or countertops.

Pour hot water in the kitchen faucet to clear any oils that may be food for cockroaches. Only when you’ve exhausted all the above can you then use pesticides. You’ll discover that you’ll only need a small amount, thus minimizing the exposure to dangerous chemicals that may affect your health.

Read the labels and instructions before use.

More often, homeowners are usually in a hurry to eliminate pests that they forget to read the instructions before use. Probably you’ve been scrolling through the internet pages, and now you have the confidence about the application of any chemical. Well, there’s nothing wrong with getting more information about pests. Furthermore, we live in a society where access to information is now a basic need. 

That aside, every pesticide is different, and the fact that you know how to use Pesticide A doesn’t mean that the same will apply to pesticide B. You could end up spending your time in the Emergency room and that not desirable. It will cost you in terms of money and time. The best thing is to carefully read the label and follow the instructions carefully. Follow the procedure on the label and use it as per direction.

How to use pesticides in a safe manner

Let everyone know

Before the application of any pesticide, you need to take into account other family members and pets too. Keep your pets away, and you can have them hosted at a safe location or a friend’s home. Inform everyone at home that you’ll be doing a pest control exercise, which will involve the use of chemicals. It helps if you can put some posters or labels in the house to keep everyone alert. Your safety and that of your family members should be top amongst your priority items. Additionally, if you have small kids at home, keep their toys in a safe location.

Wear protective clothes

Next, wear protective gear when applying pesticides. You may need some gloves, boots, and overall coats when spraying the outside and inside too. Sometimes the pesticide may enter your eyes, and here you need protective eyeglasses. However, you need a first aid kit in case there occurs an emergency during the pest control exercise.

In the absence of coats, you can wear long trousers and shirts with long sleeves. Once you’re done with the exercise, remove your clothes, and clean your hands with soapy water.

Keep food away

Under no circumstances should there be food when applying pesticides at home. If there is any food in the house, remove it, or keep in the refrigerator.

Other considerations

Other suggestions will ensure the safe use of pesticides and which are worth mentioning in this text. Don’t apply on windy days when spraying outdoors since the chemical might land on food plants such as vegetables or worse still on a neighbor’s farm.

Also, if you’re considering hiring a pest control company, discuss with them the probable risks of the chemical they’re likely to use.

Conclusion

By following the correct procedures and guidelines in matters to do with pest control, you will be able to handle the problem of infestation. There is a need for proper use of chemicals to ensure you and your family are safe from pesticide use. Lastly, contact any professional poisons center in case of emergencies.

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