Pesticide Use

Pesticide Use

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
We often do stories with the Idaho Department of Agriculture on safe pesticide use and disposal. Once the weather warms up and dries out this spring, Northwest farmers and ranchers along with residents will emerge from inside their homes to  plant, and do garden work. That often means using pesticides, which requires care and caution:

 Pesticides can be used safely and effectively if all precautions are taken. The Oregon Department of Agriculture has some basic messages aimed at Pesticide users this time of year and all year long. They include asking users to do some homework before purchasing a pesticide product:

 "It's really important to correctly identify the pest for which you are going to treat and purchase a product that is appropriate for that pest and location. There is great information on the product label that will tell you if that particular product is the right one for the job. It's also a good idea to only purchase enough product that you actually need to get the job done." 

ODA pesticide investigator Jenny Marin says just about everything you need to know boils down to one simple step:  "It really comes down to three simple words– read the label. The label tells you what the product can be used for, where it can be used, how much should be used, and other important instructions or restrictions. When it comes to pesticide use, the label is the law for all users, including homeowners."  

Pesticide products should not be allowed to drift or be applied anywhere outside their intended target. Consumers should know that pesticide products may be easy to find on the store shelf, but that doesn't mean they should be treated lightly. 

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