With Spring Comes Increased Use of Pesticide Products in Oregon Homes

(SALEM, Ore.) - Spring has officially arrived. Buds are breaking, birds are chirping, and homeowners are getting ready to work in the yard. That often means applying pesticides. The Oregon Department of Agriculture wants to make sure pesticide use this spring is proper and safe.

“People doing yard work and wanting to use pesticide products need to take a lot of consideration before using those products,” says Dale Mitchell, assistant administrator of ODA’s Pesticides Division.

“Home-use pesticides are important and often necessary in the battle against unwanted plant pests and diseases. There is nothing wrong with using pesticides– as long as they are handled properly.”

ODA licenses commercial pesticide applicators, requiring them to take a test to show their knowledge of how to use pesticides safely. Many of the materials available to commercial applicators are available to homeowners, who are not licensed and tested. That’s a concern and makes it all the more important for the agency to educate homeowners on proper use of pesticides.

The process begins well before any pesticide is purchased. There is homework to do. Whether you are applying weed killer, slug bait, or bug spray, the information is out there. One source is the ODA Pesticides Division Web site at . Consumers can get help in identifying pests and control methods, including using tools other than pesticides to deal with a problem. Other good sources for information include the local garden center, county extension offices, and even the library.

When it comes to using pesticide products, the most important advice to all homeowners is three simple words: read the label.

“The label is very specific and contains important information and precautions for each specific pesticide product,” says Mitchell.

ODA officials say it is a good practice to read the label at least three times– before the pesticide product is purchased, before it is applied, and after it is applied. The label tells you not only what pests the product takes care of, but it gives you special precautions. It spells out what steps to take to protect yourself and others during application. Reading the label before you buy the product can help you understand if it’s the right pesticide for you and how best to use it.

After the purchase comes the application. Once again, reading the label will guide you through the proper method of handling the pesticide. It tells you how to mix the product. Some products may be already mixed but most need to be diluted before application. The label also tells you when to apply the product. Some pesticides require dry conditions, others do fine even if it rains afterwards. The label emphasizes keeping children and pets away from the material during mixing and application.

Once the pesticide has been applied, it’s time for storage or disposal of the unused product.

Where can you find information on storage and disposal? You guessed it, the product label. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is another source when it comes to pesticide disposal.

“As far as the storage of pesticides, store them in the original container in a safe, dry location that is out of reach of children,” says Mitchell.

Of course the best way to solve a pesticide disposal problem is to not create one in the first place. It all goes back to the point of purchase. Many people buy more pesticide product than they can probably use in their entire lifetime. The best idea is to buy the amount you intend to apply. That way you don’t have storage or disposal becoming an issue.

If you want to dispose of leftover pesticide products, most cities and counties have hazardous waste disposal programs. The product should never be placed in the traditional garbage can and sent to a landfill. If you plan to store the pesticide in your garage, always leave the label with the product so you and others can later identify the product.

“The majority of homeowners apply pesticides appropriately,” says Mitchell. “But you’ve always got the first time applicator who figures if they can buy it over the counter, it can’t be too dangerous. Remember, pesticides are still made to kill pests.”

This year, as in 2006 and 2007, a voluntary survey will track household use of pesticide products throughout Oregon. It's part of the Pesticide Use Reporting System (PURS) that collects, summarizes, and reports information on pesticide use by all commercial applicators. Hundreds of randomly selected homeowners will be keeping diaries of their pesticide use. The survey attempts to find out the what, where, when, why, and how much of pesticide product use by individual households. Information collected will help determine urban use patterns, and perhaps where outreach and education efforts should be concentrated.

Even though surveys have been ongoing the past couple of years, it is too early to draw clear conclusions about home-use pesticides in Oregon. More analysis is needed.

"We know what kinds of products are being sold to homeowners in the state but we don't know how those products are being used," says Mitchell. "The household use survey helps provide some answers to the questions we've had about residential use of pesticide products."

With the official arrival of spring this past week, ODA is not going to wait until more survey results are in to provide some helpful messages to homeowners across the state.

Home-use pesticides are available not only at garden supply shops, but at many one-stop shopping centers like Fred Meyer and K-Mart. They may be easy to find and easy to purchase, but that doesn’t mean they should be treated lightly.