No one likes to find bugs inside or around their home, which is why it’s a good idea to spray pesticides regularly.
Pesticides are very effective at removing unwanted insects, but safety is a primary concern when using these toxic chemicals. Read on to learn more about how to prepare, apply, clean up, and safely store these products.
Preparation
Pest control spraying can be dangerous, so proper preparation is necessary for safety. When preparing a pesticide, it is imperative to follow the directions on the label. Each product will have specific instructions for how to use it properly, so study up to ensure safety.
Aside from following the label instructions, here are some other tips for safe pesticide preparation:
- Make sure that there are no pets or children around to prevent exposure.
- While mixing, make sure you are outside or in a well-ventilated room.
- Wear clothing that covers your skin, such as long pants, closed-toed shoes, and a long sleeve shirt.
- Try to only mix the amount that you’re going to use. Pesticides can be dangerous to store and dispose of.
- Be prepared if there is a spill. Have paper towels, gloves, sawdust, etc. handy to clean up any spills expeditiously.
Application
Some products can be used indoors, outdoors, or in both settings, and application is not a one-time event. How often you spray pesticides depends on your goals.
Here are some ways to ensure safe application in each location:
Indoors –
- Always double check that the product can be used indoors. Many pesticides are for outdoor use only.
- Ventilation is the key to safety and protection. After application, open all windows and turn on fans to help clear out the excess chemicals.
- Some pesticides require an unventilated room. In this case, make sure the room is empty and follow the instructions on the product to see how long you will need to wait to make sure that it is safe to enter.
- If you are spraying in your kitchen, always make sure that all food and kitchen tools are put away.
Outdoors –
- Avoid spraying on a windy day.
- When using a sprayer, apply the setting that produces the largest droplet size to avoid misting.
- Do not use too much of the chemical. This can harm the area you are trying to protect.
Clean Up
After pesticide use, make sure that you rinse all tools properly. Scrub any exposed skin that could have chemicals on them. Wash the clothing items alone instead of with standard laundry. If your clothes were exposed to a heavy amount of the product, properly dispose of them. It’s not safe to throw oversaturated clothing in the washer.
Let Summit Lawn and Pest Control Help
For the safest and most efficient way to spray pesticides, contact the experts at Summit Lawn & Pest Control for assistance. We have a passion for providing fast and affordable home lawn care and pest control services so you can focus on enjoying your yard instead of worrying about bugs and pests.Reach out today to schedule your free assessment and find out what we can do for your lawn! We serve Lehi, Orem, Provo, Spanish Fork, and other cities in Utah County, Utah.
