Sometimes household pest problems can be solved without pesticides.  If you do not remove the source of the problem, a pesticide may not keep the pest from coming back.  Check the Household Hazardous Waste Factsheet page for alternative and less toxic products that can be used for pest control or contact the Purdue Extension office for additional suggestions.  If there are no alternatives, and you need to use a pesticide, follow the 5 steps on this page to protect yourself and your family.
 

STEP 1:  READ THE PESTICIDE LABEL BEFORE YOU BUY THE PESTICIDE

The label tells you to use the pesticide safely to control your pest problem. It is against the law to apply a pesticide unless you follow all of the label directions. Look for these words on the label:

DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION. One of these words will be on the label in big letters.

  • DANGER pesticides can kill you, or they may cause severe burns or eye damage. NEVER use a DANGER pesticide indoors. Do not buy DANGER pesticides for household use unless there is no other choice.
  • WARNING pesticides are not as poisonous as DANGER pesticides.

  • CAUTION pesticides are less likely to hurt you or your family.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE tell you where you can use the pesticide. Follow all directions.

  • NEVER use a farm pesticide around the house unless the label says that you can.
  • NEVER use an outdoor pesticide indoors unless the label says that you can.
  • NEVER bring pesticides home from work to use around the home.
  • NEVER use more pesticide that the label says.

HAZARDS TO HUMANS AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS will tell you more about how the pesticide might hurt you or your family. This part of the label will also tell you what to wear while you use the pesticide. The label may tell you to wear gloves, eye goggles, or a respirator. If you do not want to wear the things listed on the label, do not buy that pesticide.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS will tell you about risks to fish, birds, bees, or water.

STEP 2:  HANDLING PESTICIDES

NEVER carry a pesticide in the car where your family will ride. Keep pesticides away from your food, pet food or clothing. The pesticide may spill and ruin your food or clothes.  Do not mix pesticide close to your water faucet or food.

NEVER eat, drink, or smoke while you use pesticide. Do not use pesticides outside when it is windy or when rain is coming soon.

  • Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, shoes, socks, and gloves. You MUST also wear anything else that the label tells you to wear.
  • Wear plastic or rubber gloves and shoes. Cloth and leather do not protect you from pesticides.
  • Open, measure, and mix pesticides outdoors.
  • Measure pesticides carefully.  Write "PESTICIDES ONLY" on things you use for pesticides.
  • Keep children and pets out of the area until pesticide sprays have dried. The label may tell you to keep people and pets out for a longer time.
  • Keep all toys, pet bowls, pans, and dishes out of the area.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water before you eat, drink, or smoke. Wash your pesticide clothes away from your other laundry.
  • Throw away clothes soaked with pesticide.

  • Dry pesticide clothes outside if you can.

 

STEP 3:  PESTICIDE SPILL

NEVER wash spilled pesticide away with the hose. NEVER wash pesticide down into the sewer or storm drain.

  • If someone is in danger, call 911. If you do not know what to do about a spilled pesticide, call the County Hazardous Waste Center at 776-4005.  For larger spills outdoors, call  County Emergency Management at 770-3381 or IDEM's 24 Hour Spill Hotline at 1-888-233-7745.
  • Before you clean up spilled pesticide, put on rubber or plastic gloves.
  • If the pesticide is dry, scoop the pesticide back into its sack or jug. Sweep up the rest of the pesticide dust.
  • If the pesticide is liquid, soak it up with cat litter, sand, or dirt.
  • Scrub the area with heavy-duty soap and a small amount of water. Soak up the liquid and put it into a heavy-duty garbage bag. Throw the bag into the outdoor garbage.
  • Scoop up the cat litter and pesticide and put it into a heavy-duty garbage bag.

  • Wash scoop, brush, and other clean-up materials away from the house.

 

STEP 4:  PESTICIDE STORAGE

NEVER store any pesticide in anything used for food or drink.  NEVER use pesticide jugs to carry food or water to drink. A small sip of a pesticide may kill a child. NEVER store pesticides or other household chemicals (e.g., drain opener or bleach) under the sink.  Child-safe cabinet locks are not foolproof.

  • Store pesticides out of the reach of children (secured with lock and key is best). You may want to buy a small locker or lock-box to store pesticides.
  • If your child stays with someone else, make sure they store pesticides safely.

 

STEP 5:  DISPOSING OF PESTICIDES AND CONTAINERS

NEVER pour pesticide down the drain or flush it down the toilet.

  • Throw away pesticide jugs, bottles, or bags in your outdoor trashcan.
  • The Hazardous Waste Center  will help you get rid of large amounts of pesticide.