PESTICIDES
IN YOUR
HOME
SOME TIPS ABOUT
PESTICIDES AND THEIR
ALTERNATIVES
JUNE 2001
$EPA
New England
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DO YOU NEED A PESTICIDE?
Many homeowners treat pest problems with pesticide products
bought during weekly shopping. However, these products are a
potential hazard to people and the environment Your home and
homes you and your family visit may hold more pesticides
than you expect. Pesticides pose a potential hazard to people
and the environment, particularly when applied, stored or
disposed of improperly
There are several activities that you can do before you decide
to use a pesticide. If you are practicing good sanitation, doing
routine home maintenance and addressing moisture problems.
whether you realize it or not, you are preventing pests and
taking part in the cultural control portion of: Integrated Pest
Management (IPM).
INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM)
A process of balanced use of cultural, biological
and chemical procedures that are environmentally
compatible. It is a philosophy of pest control that
uses the best combination of these methods. IPM
promotes a healthy environment, is cost effective
and may offer longer-lasting results using fewer
pesticides.
Interior or structural pest management, using IPM,
is made up of several steps: noticing the damage,
identifying the pest, controlling the pest, and
preventing the pest from returning to your home.
IPM promotes a healthy
environment, is cost eftective
and may offer longer-lasting
results using fewer pesticides.
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DO YOU HAVE PESTS
Know that pests need: air, moisture, food and shelter to
survive. Eliminating these elements is the key to eliminating
the pest.
Pest damage comes in many forms, or sometimes, you may
actually see the pest itself. Signs that pests may be in your
home include: mold or moisture, mouse droppings, sawdust
from carpenter ants, termites (known as "swarmers" seen
during spring and fall months), and unwanted birds taking
daily shelter in the eaves of your home.
Sometimes damage may not be easily seen. Mud tunnels on
outside walls and wood damage indicate presence of termites.
You can identify what's causing the problem through research
at your local library or bookstore. There are also pest identifi-
cation websites that you can search and explore.
PESTS CAN...
^seriously damage human and animal health
by introducing allergens and disease
pathogens.
> contaminate human and animal foodstuffs.
*• damage the structural integrity of your home.
^-compromise the safety of your home by
chewing on wires or furnishings.
Pests need air, moisture, food
and shelter to survive
eliminating these elements is
the key to eliminating the pest
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IN YOUR HOME?
Pests may enter your home in a number of ways. Mice can
enter through small cracks in the foundation (as small as 1/
4") or under doors. Cockroaches can flatten their bodies and
crawl through a crack thinner than a dime. Your family pet
may bring fleas into your home. Vegetation planted directly
against buildings may provide shelter and runways for
rodents.
Environmental conditions such as moisture or decaying wood
may also attract pests.
INTERIOR PREVENTION
* Exclusionary work: fill-in cracks and holes,
areas where utility lines enter and exit, and
pipe chases near your washer and sinks.
> Use tight fitting lids and can liners for trash
and garbage. Periodically wash containers
with detergent and hot water.
* Store cereals, grains, rice and pet foods in
containers with tight fitting lids.
* Sweep up crumbs and food debris daily.
* Remove pet food when pets are finished
eating.
*Do not leave food or food dishes uncovered
or exposed overnight.
* Maintain your pet's fur and skin health.
* Repair holes in window screens.
^-Repair leaks, such as in sinks, pipes and
washing machines.
Use tight fitting lids and can
liners for trash and garbage
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PREVENTION
EXTERIOR PREVENTION
> Slack woodpiles away from your house and
off the ground.
*• Keep vegetation away from your house. If you
like climbing vines, use a trellis, not the side
ol the house, as an anchor.
* Keep tree branches from over-hanging your
house. Pests (including squirrels) can use
branches to gain access to your home.
* Clean gutters and drain spouts of debris,
such as leaves and twigs.
> Install a chimney cap to prevent larger
animals from entering your home via the
chimney.
* Remove outdoor "bug zappers".They are not
effective, and may attract more insects than
they kill.
*> Eliminate standing water traps: empty pails
and old tires, sweep off puddles- standing
water offers breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
vegetation away from
your house. If you like climbing
vines, use a trellis, not thu
ol the house as an anchor.
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CONTROL
Non-chemical means such as traps, snap traps and glue
boards can be used for mice and rats. Mechanical controls
such as tly swatters and sticky Iraps may be effective on insect
pests. Some pests are not easy to evict from your home, and a
chemical pesticide may be required to eliminate them from
your home.
If pesticide use is one of your options, here are some things to
consider before you buy:
WHAT TYPE OF PESTICIDE DO YOU NEED1?
»>Insecticides control insects such as:
carpenter ants, silver fish, and cockroaches.
*Rodenticides control rodents such as Norway
rats, and mice.
Non-chemical methods such
as traps, snap traps and glue
boards, can be used for mice
and rats
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USING PE
SHOPPING TIPS:
> Know the size of the area to be treated, take
careful measurements.
> Purchase only the amount of product needed
for the application.
HI possible, purchase ready-to-use formula-
tions to avoid mixing, and some storage and
disposal problems.
^-Calculate the correct amount, especially if the
pesticide is a concentrate which must be
diluted. Using too much of the active
ingredient may damage your plants, cause
harm to yourself, pets and the environment,
however too little product may not correct
your pest problem. More is not better.
^Check for application equipment you need
(such as a hand held sprayer). If you have it
already, does it work properly9 Do you need
new hoses, nozzles?
^Pick up any personal protection equipment
required such as gloves or goggles.
When applying a pesticide,
remove items that may be
stored in the area, such as
pet food bowls.
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STICIDES
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO BEFORE APPLYING A
PESTICIDE?
back rugs if possible.
*-Open or close doors and windows for
ventilation as the label directs you .
> Remove items that may be stored in the area,
pet food bowls, toys from the floor, or food
and dishes stored in cabinets.
*Check the area for other people, including
children or pets.
Outdoor "bug zappers" are not /
_ /
\
insects than they kill x
•>.
- i
effective, and may attract more \
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USING PE:
HOW DO YOU APPLY AND HANDLE THE
PESTICIDE SAFELY?
common sense and realize the label may
not tell what to do in all situations.
^Choose the correct form: dusts, sprays,
liquids, granules.
*Have the correct measuring tools available-
measuring cups or spoons. Use these only for
measuring pesticides.
> Pay attention to additional label instructions
such as ventilation- can windows be open?
> Never leave the pesticide unattended when
using, especially near children and pets.
*Don"t eat, drink or smoke while handling
pesticides. Wash your face and hands after
using the pesticide and before you smoke,
eat, or use the toilet.
> Never use pesticides that are not in the
original container, do not have the label
firmly attached or do not specify HOME or
INDOOR use on the label.
Choose the correct form of
pesticide for the job dusts.
sprays, liquids or granules.
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STICIDES
AFTER YOU'VE APPLIED THE PESTICIDE,
WHAT'S NEXT?
*Be patient! Depending on the type of
pesticide product, it may take some time
before control is seen. For certain herbicides,
it may take several days before seeing the
leaves of treated weeds yellow and curl,
* Watch for your results; create a diary to record
your successes and failures.
IJfu/ Knni
Almost half of all house-
holds with children under the
age of five have at least one
pesticide stored in an
unlocked cabinet less than
four feet off the ground, often
within reach of children.
Never leave the pesticide
unattended when using,
especially near children and
pets.
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WHAT'S ON
TARGET PEST
Listing of pest(s) controlled. Frequently more than one pest will
be listed on the label.
FORM OF PESTICIDE
Products are sold as liquids, aerosols, granules, dusts, and
wettable powders. Note: Many pesticides are sold as "ready to
use". These products require no mixing or measuring, and may be
easier to use.
INDOOR OR OUTDOOR USE
The label will tell you if the product must be used indoors or
outdoors. Do not use a garden pesticide indoors.
EPA REGISTRATION NUMBER
EPA has reviewed the product, and it can be used according to
label directions.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
The ingredient(s) that will control the target pest.
SIGNAL WORDS
Communicate the potential for making the user sick. Pesticides
vary in their toxicity to humans. Most of the products for use in
and around the home will have "caution" or "warning" as the
signal word.
CAUTION
least harmful, but must be handled
with care
WARNING
moderately hazardous
DANGER
very poisonous/irritating may have
skull and crossbones signal
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THE LABEL?
PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
Tells if protective clothing, such as, gloves or goggles, are
required. Can also instruct you to keep children and pets away
from the pesticide when in use, and the treated area once the
application is complete.
ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS
Listing of possible sites of damage: water, birds, fish, plants.
animals.
DIRECTIONS FOR USE
How to apply the product, where the product can be applied, how
much to use.
FIRST AID INSTRUCTIONS
Actions to take an in emergency situation. If you need to contact
poison control or require medical assistance, have the label
handy to help emergency personnel.
STORAGE AND DISPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS
How to store and dispose of the pesticide.
USE PESTICIDES SAFELY!
READ THE LABEL!
IT'S THE LAW!
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STORAGE AND DISPOSAL
STORAGE
*> Pesticides should be stored in the original
labeled container, covered tightly.
* Never store pesticides in the application
equipment or in containers that held food or
beverage,
*Do not store the product near feed, seed, heat
sources or near flammable materials, such as
gasoline or oily rags.
^-Temperature and humidity may affect
pesticides. The label will give you specifics.
^Keep pesticides out of the reach of children
and pets, preferably in a locket cabinet.
DISPOSAL
*The label offers general disposal instructions.
^Containers should be rinsed three times.
*• Potentially reusable containers should be
punctured to prevent reuse.
*0ld pesticides should be disposed of, they
may no longer be effective or safe to use.
* Improper disposal can lead to health issues for
humans and pets, and environmental
contamination.
*-NEVER pour pesticides down a drain, toilet or
curbstde catch basin.
*-NEVER re-use pesticide containers for any
purpose.
> NEVER put pesticides in containers used for
food purposes.
* Disposal problems can be prevented by buying
only the amount needed to do the job.
^Contact your local government, or state
agriculture or environmental agency about
household hazardous waste collection
programs.
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HIRING A SPECIALIST
Some pest problems go beyond the abilities of the home-
owner. Structural damage or infestations may require the
services of a pest management specialist. Call several
companies to arrange for an inspection and cost estimate.
Once you have narrowed your list of specialists, you may
contact your state pesticide regulatory agency for information
regarding licensing of pest management technicians,
complaints or violations they may have investigated and have
on file.
If you have performed any of your own pest management
activities, tell the pest management specialist, especially if
pesticides were used. Let them know what pesticide was used,
where, and how much. They will also need to know if you
have children or pets and if there are people in your home
with special health concerns.
QUESTIONS TO ASK
*What is the pest diagnosis?
> What may have caused the pest problem?
> What are the non-chemical alternatives?
»• What pesticide(s) does the specialist
proposes to use, information about the
product(s)?
*How many visits will be required?
> When can results be expected?
*What exactly does the job entail-drilling
foundation holes, baiting in wall voids?
* What is the estimated cost of the work, and
any additional fees that may apply?
»Do you need to leave the house for any period
of time after the application?
^How can future problems be prevented?
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KEEP THEM AWAY
INSIDE
*Keep all food in rodent/insect proof glass or
plastic resealable containers.
>• Keep counter and surfaces free of food scraps
and crumbs.
^Garbage should be in tightly covered
containers.
> Don't leave pet foods out uncovered for long
periods of time.
*• Fix leaking plumbing.
* Caulk cracks and crevices to control roaches
and other pests.
^Keep out flying insects using screens. Patch
any holes or damage in screens.
> Attach door sweeps to prevent pests and save
energy.
OUTSIDE
^Remove wood piles; they can shelter rodents
and termites.
*Keep bark mulch away from the foundation of
your house; don't place new mulch on top of
old.
* Remove old wooden posts and tree stumps.
^Do not put meat scraps in your compost pile.
*Trim vegetation away from your house.
^-Resist the temptation to install bird feeders
near your house. Locate the feeding station
away from your house. Bird feed is also feed
for nuisance animals.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
home and garden center, library, and bookstore
are resources lor information on indoor pesl management
or assistance in problem diagnosis.
»Surf the web! Type in key words, and explore'
* National Pesticide Telecommunications Network (NPTN):
1 -800-858-PEST(7378) This is a 24 hour hotline lor
assistance in emergencies and inlormation about safety,
health and environmental effects, spill clean-up and
disposal procedures and referrals.
POISON CONTROL CENTERS FOR NEW
ENGLAND
Provide help in pesticide poisonings. Have the
pesticide label with you if you call.
Connecticut: 800-343-2722
Massachusetts: 800-682-9211
Maine: 800-442-6305
Rhode Island: 800-682-9211
New Hampshire: 800-562-8236
Vermont: 877-658-3456
U. S Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) New England
1-888-3727341
1 5
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
State pesticide regulatory agencies in New England provide
information about pesticide regulations, investigate consumer
complaints and possible pesticide violations, spill clean-up
and disposal.
STATE REGULATORY AGENCIES IN NEW
ENGLAND
Connecticut Dept. of Environmental Protection:
860-424-3369
Maine Board of Pesticides Control: 207-287-2731
Massachusetts Pesticide Bureau: 617-626-1700
New Hampshire Dept. of Ag. Markets and Food:
603-271-3550
Rhode Island Dept. of Env. Management:
401-222-2781
Vermont Plant Industry, Lab and Consumer
Assurance: 802-828-2431
U, S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
(EPA) NEW ENGLAND OFFICE CUSTOMER CALL
CENTER: 1-888-372-7341-
EPA is the federal agency responsible for pesticide
regulation. No pesticide can be legally sold or
used in the U.S. unless its label has an EPA
registration number. EPA publications on
pesticide related issues can be ordered by calling
our Customer Call Center. More information is also
available on the Internet at: www.epa.gov/region1.
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SHOPPING TIPS
*Know the size of the area to be treated, take
careful measurements.
* Purchase only the amount of product needed
for the application.
*lf possible, purchase ready-to-use formulations
to avoid mixing, and some storage and
disposal problems.
> Calculate the correct amount, especially if the
pesticide is a concentrate which must be
diluted. Using too much of the active ingredi-
ent may damage your house, cause harm to
yourself, pets and the environment, however too
little product may not correct your pest
problem. More is not better.
^Check for application equipment you need
(such as a hand held sprayer). If you have it
already, does it work properly? Do you need new
hoses, nozzles?
up any personal protection equipment
required such as gloves or goggles.
If pesticide use is one of
your options, here are
some things to consider
before you buy.
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