There are a lot of choices when it comes to pest control products being sold in stores. You’ll find solutions for cockroaches, rodents, flies and even termite treatment. Although it’s okay to DIY pest control, it pays to be cautious of which product to use.
What is a Pesticide?
Any material, whether naturally derived or not, that is sold or distributed with the intent to control or eliminate any pest (weeds, insects, microorganisms, etc.) is classified as a pesticide. By their very nature, pesticides create some risk of harm to humans, animals, or the environment because they are designed to kill or otherwise adversely affect living organisms. Many household products are pesticides.
Sourced from: http://webdoc.agsci.colostate.edu/cepep/FactSheets/130OnlineSales.pdf
You’ll be surprised to know that common household products such as rubbing alcohol, lemon and baking soda actually help ward off pests.
Buying Pest Control Products Online
Use caution when buying pesticides on the internet. A professional looking website doesn’t ensure the seller knows the laws and regulations of selling pesticides online.
Be certain the product has instructions that you can understand and follow.
Don’t buy restricted use pesticides if you are not licensed to apply them.
Understand the pest you are attempting to control. By doing a little research, you may find that other control options will work better. Integrated pest management (IPM) uses a variety of solutions for controlling pests. As an example, rodent poisons can be avoided when controlling mice in a home if entry points are sealed up, food sources are eliminated, and snap traps are used.
Sourced from: https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/Contaminants/Pesticides/BuyingPesticidesOnline
Finding the Right Pesticide
Learn about the pest. Has it been properly identified by a professional or an expert? Time and money may be wasted due to mis-identification.
Look for your pest on the label. Choose a product that is designed with your pest in mind. The pests that the product targets will be listed on the label.
Decide how much pest activity you can tolerate. It may not be possible to completely eliminate the pest, but you may be able to keep the population down to a comfortable level.
Consider the treatment area. Are there sensitive areas near the treatment area? Does the area slope towards a vulnerable area like a stream, garden, well, or playground? Are valuable plants nearby that could be affected by drift?
Select an effective product. Consider contacting a professional, such as your local extension office, for advice on which products will be best suited for your pest problem.
Look for the signal word. Products labeled “CAUTION” are low in toxicity, and some of the lowest toxicity products may not have a signal word.
Read about the required safety equipment. Make sure you use protective equipment if required by the label. This could include gloves, goggles, chemical resistant clothing, or other items.
Buy only what you need this season; mix only what you need today. Pesticides may have a limited shelf life, and stored pesticides can be a hazard.
Read the entire label every time you use the product. Following the label will reduce risks and allow the product to work as the manufacturer intended.
Sourced from: http://npic.orst.edu/pest/select.html
Pesticides are there to help with your pest problems. But they can pose risks to humans, too. That’s why it’s important to take precautionary measures when purchasing one.
If you’re still not sure what pest control product you should buy or how to use them, it would be best that you contact a pest control expert. They are trained, experienced and knowledgeable from mice control to termite inspection and to handling virtually all kinds of pests.
