Pest Control 101: The Safe Use of Pesticides at Home
What is a pesticide? A pesticide is any substance that is used to repel, kill, or control animal or plant life that is considered to be a pest. Many pesticides are made with herbicides to kill weeds and other unwanted plants; for home use, pesticides are used to destroy a number of insects to keep critters out of the four walls of a home.
When used improperly, pesticides can be toxic to both pests and humans. However, by taking the proper precautions around the house, you can keep your family and your pets safe while keeping unwanted bugs out of your home.
Pesticide Safety Starts at Home
Although working with a professional pest control company is recommended for proper pesticide use, your best bet is to stop problems before they start by eliminating any “pest hotspots”. These areas include pest shelters and breeding grounds, such as parts of the yard cluttered with litter and debris.
It’s also important to check your home and lawn completely for any areas of standing water or leaks from dripping pipes. These types of household issues can easily attract pest infestations by providing a concealed source of water.
Once the pest attractors in your house have been dealt with, it helps to consult a professional pest control service. Make sure to ask in advance about any potential risks of the chemicals that will be used, especially if you have small children and pets at home. A pest control company can also educate you about any safety precautions that may need to be taken before and after pesticide has been sprayed.
Pesticide Safety for Children
If you do have store-bought pesticides at home used to kill pests in between professional service, keep the following guidelines in mind:
• Always store pesticides out of the reach of children in a locked cabinet or shed. It’s preferable to install child-proof safety latches on any cabinet that contains dangerous chemicals.
• Never under any circumstance place pesticides in another container that children may think contains food or a beverage.
• Teach children about pesticide safety at a young age so that they don’t touch poison.
• When leaving children with a babysitter, make sure to tell them about potential pesticide hazards and leave the number for poison control.
Pesticides can be used safely at home to keep unpleasant critters out, no matter the season. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a professional pest control service to make sure that pesticides are handled correctly and safely, especially when children are in the home.