Pesticide Safety
How to apply pesticides safely, protect your family and pets, and know when to get professional help.
The Most Important Rule
Always read and follow the pesticide label.
The label tells you:
- • Where you can apply it
- • How much to use
- • How often to apply
- • Safety precautions
⚠️ Using more than directed does NOT work better and can be dangerous.
Before Applying
After Applying
Pesticides can enter your body through:
Skin contact
Breathing spray or dust
Getting it in your eyes
Swallowing it accidentally
⚠️ Avoid touching treated areas until dry.
Mild Symptoms
- • Headache
- • Dizziness
- • Nausea
- • Sweating
- • Skin or eye irritation
🚨 Serious Symptoms — Medical Emergency
- • Trouble breathing
- • Vomiting
- • Muscle twitching
- • Unconsciousness
If serious symptoms occur, seek medical help immediately.
Wash with soap and water for 15 minutes
Rinse eyes with clean water for 15 minutes
Move to fresh air immediately
Do NOT induce vomiting unless label says so. Call Poison Control.
Poison Control (USA)
1-800-222-1222Only apply pesticide where pests are present.
Avoid Spraying:
⚠️ More pesticide does NOT equal better control.
Professional Tip — Most Important for Success
Professionals succeed because they use pesticides in the correct locations.
Focus on:
Avoid spraying open floors or large exposed areas unnecessarily.
Precision beats volume.
Consider professional help for: