Reading Household Pesticide Labels Could Save Your Life

If you’ve never been the type to read product labels, it may be time to change your tune. Given the fact that approximately 59% of US homes use pesticides regularly, it’s more important than ever to become well-acquainted with labels on products that may contain harmful chemicals to protect yourself and your family.

Before You Spray – Read All Pesticide Labels

Even though you may be on a regular extermination schedule, many homeowners still choose to spray pesticides in between routine pest control visits if a bug is spotted in the house. But before spraying a potentially hazardous chemical within the four walls of your home, it’s important to read a product label in its entirety by keeping the following guidelines in mind:

• Read a pesticide label before buying a product to make sure that it can be used as directed in your home.
• Only spray the recommended amount of pesticide indoors; applying more than necessary is a waste of money and could harm young children, pets, and the environment.
• Don’t use a pesticide for another purpose without reading the label first; indoor pesticides should not be used outdoors, and vice versa.
• Buy only the amount of pesticide that you need. Buying and storing an excess of pesticides can create unneeded risk in a house, especially if young children are present.
• Always reread a pesticide label before spraying instead of relying on memory.
• Remember that it is against the law to use a household pesticide in any way that is not directed on the label.
• Don’t use an unlabeled pesticide under any circumstance.

How to Review a Pesticide Product Label

Before you buy and spray a pesticide in your home, there are several questions that you can ask yourself to carefully review a product label:

• What ingredients are in the product? Researching specific pesticide product ingredients will help you to determine their level of toxicity; some products may be more suitable for use in a home with infants and/or pregnant women.
• What first aid precautions need to be taken? Before an emergency strikes, become familiar with emergency precautions that should be taken if a pesticide comes into contact with your eyes, mouth, or skin.
• Do I need to wear protective equipment? Some pesticides require protective equipment with use, such as eyewear or a face mask.
• How often should I use the product? Always stick to the correct doses when using a household pesticide to avoid abuse or misuse.

 

If you’re not comfortable spraying pesticides in your home, contact an Alabama pest control company for help. A professional exterminator can take care of a bug infestation by safely spraying the correct volumes of pesticide indoors.