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Pesticides - Minimizing Exposure

Topic Fact Sheet

Many people have pests in or around their homes. Whether it's a bug, weed, rodent or bacteria, pest control may involve using a pesticide product. First, consider an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to pest control. If you decide to use a pesticide product, you can minimize your risk by minimizing your exposure to it. Below, you'll find some optional tips for doing just that!

Anytime you use a pesticide, be sure to read and follow label instructions. The label will include important information for protecting yourself and it will tell you how to apply the product in the way that it will work best. Wear protective clothing and equipment, as required by the product label. Always keep children and pets away while you're applying the product. After you're done, wash your hands, face and clothing. If someone else is applying the pesticide to your home, ask them what precautions you should take, such as leaving the area for a period of time. You might also ask the applicator to show you exactly where the pesticide will be applied.

When a liquid will be applied indoors:

Before application:

During application:

After application:

When a liquid will be applied to the yard or garden:

Before application:

During application:

After application:

When granules will be applied to the yard or garden:

Before application:

During application:

After application:

When a dust will be applied to indoor cracks and crevices:

Before application:

During application:

After application:

If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email at npic@ace.orst.edu.

Last updated April 11, 2012
 

NPIC fact sheets are designed to answer questions that are commonly asked by the general public about pesticides that are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). This document is intended to be educational in nature and helpful to consumers for making decisions about pesticide use.

Related Topics:

What are pests?

Learn about a pest

Identify a pest

Control a pest

Integrated Pest Management

What are pesticides?

Herbicides

Disinfectants

Fungicides

Insecticides

Natural and Biological Pesticides

Repellents

Rodenticides

Other types of pesticides

Disponible en español

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