Publication Number 426-706, Revised March 2005
Remember, just because you see insects does not mean that insects are a problem. Proper identification of the problem is essential before you select any type of control. There are many excellent resources available to help you identify pests or pest-caused problems, including your local Extension office, trained professionals at nurseries and garden centers, and reference books dealing with plant pests and diseases.
Consider the site. Read the label of each product under consideration to be sure that it can be used in the place and the manner you intend. For example, if the label indicates that the material is toxic to fish, do not use it on plants along the border of a pond. If the label requires that you wait two weeks from the time that you spray until you harvest, it should not be used on vegetables or fruits that are almost ripe. Consider all uses of the site you plan to treat. Protect children, pets, and wildlife by careful pesticide selection and use.
What application equipment and personal protective equipment does the label require? Do you have the gear? If not, are you willing to purchase, use, and maintain it? Do you want a pesticide that must be mixed and loaded into a sprayer, or will a pre-mixed, "ready-touse" product in a spray bottle better suit your needs?
Minimize waste. You should purchase only the amount of pesticide you expect to use in one season. Most pesticides have a limited shelf life. If pesticides are stored, they must be protected from extreme heat and cold, and kept in a secure, locked place. Read the storage section of the product label prior to purchase, and do not buy a product that you cannot store as directed. Also, remember that pesticides must be kept in their original container with the label intact.
Choose the least toxic product. Compare pesticides based on how hazardous they are. The signal word on the label indicates a product's toxicity. For example, products marked CAUTION are less toxic than those marked WARNING, and should be considered first.
Environmental hazards are reported on the label. Be especially cautious with pesticides containing warnings regarding impact on water.
Carefully read the disposal directions. Be sure you can properly dispose of any unused or unwanted pesticide as well as the pesticide's container according to the manufacturer's recommended method.
If all else is equal, compare the cost per unit of active ingredient before making your final selection.
Pesticides can be valuable gardening tools, but they must be selected with personal and environmental safety in mind. As with other tools, it is important to use the right pesticide for the job. Care and planning before purchasing pesticides can ensure safe and proper use.
For more information on selection, planting, cultural practices, and environmental quality, contact your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office. If you want to learn more about horticulture through training and volunteer work, ask your Extension agent about becoming an Extension Master Gardener. For monthly gardening information, subscribe to The Virginia Gardener Newsletter by sending your name and address and a check for $5.00 made out to "Treasurer, Virginia Tech" to The Virginia Gardener, Department of Horticulture (0349), Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061. Horticultural information is available on the Internet by connecting with Virginia Cooperative Extension's website at http:// www.ext.vt.edu.
The original development of this series was funded by ES-USDA Smith Lever 3(d) National Water Quality Initiative Funds and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Soil and Water Conservation.
This publication was revised by Joyce Latimer, Extension specialist, Horticulture. Virginia Tech Pesticide Programs (www.vtpp.org) contributed to the content of this publication.
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