If the title of this article made you think about Bugs Bunny, then you're a good cartoon fan. Problem is, Bugs isn't the topic of this article. Bugs of the garden variety are the topic, more or less. Actually less. The real topic is pesticides.
Pesticides are an environmental and health issue for several reasons. First, using them has an affect on the environment. Not only do you poison insects, but you can introduce the chemicals into the groundwater and ultimately the water supply. Second, and of greater immediate importance, using them has an effect on the user. You. We're going to skip the affect on the environment for now. Instead, we're going to consider the health or safety aspect of using pesticides. The same precautions apply to other garden chemicals, such as herbicides and fungicides, and a less common relative, rodenticides.
As you should do with any potentially harmful chemical product you use, after you buy a bottle, spray can or bag of pesticide, read the label before you do anything else. Everybody who has followed this please raise your hands. No one? Shame! Shame! You must read the label to find out what safety measures to take before and after using a product. Some products are considered so threatening to the environment and health (DDT) that they have been taken off the general market and reserved for use only by professionals. Others that remain on the market make some people dizzy or give them a slight headache if used in a confined space. Others can be used in relative safety but you still don't want to ignore the health and safety warnings.
Reading the label tells you more than just how to protect yourself and your family. Labels tell you how to safely store and dispose of pesticides. Buy only what you will use in a season, store only in original containers, store out of reach of children and pets, store flammable products away from where you live, and make sure you can read the date on the label so you know how old something is.
As for disposal, never reuse a container, rinse mixing containers well and re-use the rinse water as if it was a pesticide, don't puncture or burn pressurized containers, use up a pesticide rather than discard it, check with local health officials about how to dispose of leftovers, and don't pour leftovers down the sink or toilet.
When you handle pesticides, follow the directions on the label and wear protective clothing if called for--gloves, goggles, long sleeves and pants, a hat--and be prepared to launder the clothing by itself and wash the goggles and gloves (if rubber). Mix pesticides in an open area away from people and pets. Avoid spills because concentrated pesticide can easily get into the groundwater or linger to endanger wildlife, pets or people. Be particularly careful if you have a fish pond! Watch out for wind, even slight wind, that can carry pesticide spray to your pond and kill your fish. Be aware of the possibility that a pesticide might drain into your pond after it rains or you water the lawn. Spray on windless days. Don't smoke while spraying
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