Pesticide safety in the home

Reading a pesticide label is important to learn about the safest way to use the product. It is also a legal document. Before using pesticides, always read and follow the product label directions carefully. 

What’s on a label

• Ingredient statements: This section lists what chemicals are in the product. The active ingredients control the pest and inert ingredients may be fillers, solvents, fragrances, etc.
• Signal word: The signal word indicates the short-term toxicity of the product. The signal word on most over-the-counter pesticides is “Caution,” which means the product is slightly toxic. Pesticide products may also have the signal words “Warning” (moderately toxic) or “Danger” (highly toxic).
• Directions for use: Directions for use describe how a product can legally be used, including where it can be applied and at what rates. Directions may also include weather restrictions and measures to reduce spray drift.
• Precautionary statements: This part of the label explains how a product can be used safely and whether it is hazardous to people or pets.
• First-aid information: This section describes what to do if someone is accidentally exposed to the pesticide and provides emergency contact information.
• Environmental hazards: This section notes potential risks to the environment, including risks to wildlife, fish, pollinators, and water. Some labels may contain statements about how to protect bees in this section or in a “Bee Advisory” box.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) information: PPE may include gloves, eye protection, or other equipment to prevent exposure to the pesticide.
• Disposal and storage information: Directions for the safe storage and disposal of unused products. Check your local waste disposal and recycling center to find out about their hazardous waste collection programs.
• Contact information for the manufacturer: The name and address of the product manufacturer must appear on pesticide labels.
• EPA registration number: This number confirms that the product and its label were reviewed and approved by the EPA. 

Find more information about the specific toxicity of pesticides on the National Pesticide Information Center website.

There are many pesticides that are used in our everyday lives. Specific information for each of these can be found at the National Pesticide Information Center.

Antimicrobials (surface sanitizers, disinfectants, and sterilizers)

Antimicrobials are designed to kill germs or other microorganisms. They are available in many forms such as disinfectants, sanitizers, and sterilizers. They are found in products such as toilet cleaners, swimming pool chemicals, food sanitizers, and water purifiers.

Foggers

These are sometimes called bug bombs. They work by emitting a fine mist that falls onto exposed surfaces in enclosed spaces. Foggers may pose increased health risks to people with asthma or other lung diseases.

Fungicides

A fungicide controls plant diseases by killing or inhibiting fungi. Most of these products only prevent diseases and do not cure the plants.

Herbicides

Herbicides are used for controlling weeds. Herbicides are classified as selective or non-selective, meaning that some target specific weeds and some will kill all weeds in addition to desirable plants. They should be used with caution.

Insecticides

Insecticides are used for killing insects and are available as sprays, dust, fumigants, and baits. There are many different types of active ingredients used in products in this category. Each product comes with specific instructions and cautions.

Miticides

Mites are related to spiders. Miticides control mites that can feed on plants, animals and people.

Mothballs

Mothballs are considered a harmful pesticide and are mostly used to kill fabric-dwelling pests by releasing toxic vapors. Using mothballs outdoors is illegal. Children, pets, or other animals may be attracted to its shape and size so extra caution should be used.

Natural and biological pesticides

This group of pesticides controls pests by using products found in nature, or manmade versions of things found in nature. All pesticides including natural and biological have risks and should be used with care.

• Biopesticides are generally less toxic than synthetic pesticides. They are derived from natural materials such as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals. One of the more common microbial pesticides is Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Corn gluten meal, garlic oil and black pepper are biopesticides often used in repellants.
• Organic pesticides: A product labeled as natural or organic does not necessarily mean it is pesticide free. Products with rotenone and pyrethrin are organic but can cause harm if not used correctly. Organic products may need more applications to achieve the same results as synthetic pesticides.

Pheromones

Pheromones are used in traps to attract or communicate with insects by their chemical signals. They can be helpful when monitoring for specific insects when used according to the label directions.

Repellents

Repellents are used to keep pests away such as insects and nuisance wildlife. It is important to understand the risks associated with mosquito and tick repellents since they are used frequently on people and pets.

Rodenticides

Rodenticides are used as baits to kill mice, rats, gophers, and other similar animals. These baits are toxic to humans and animals if eaten. Pets or wildlife that feed on rodents that have ingested poison can also get sick or die.

Treated seeds

Seeds may be treated with insecticides or fungicides. Treated seeds must be handled with the same care as any pesticide. Leftovers should never be used as animal or bird feed and need to be disposed of according to label directions.

Wood preservatives

Wood is sometimes treated with pesticides to make it resistant to insects, fungus and other pests. Wood treated with preservatives can leach into soil and plants. Treated wood should never be burned because toxic chemicals can be emitted in the smoke.  It needs to be disposed of properly.

Antimicrobials are one of the most common pesticides used in homes, businesses, and institutions to kill germs. Antimicrobials sold as sanitizers or disinfectants are mostly regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Sanitizers are the weakest antimicrobial that can kill or reduce some bacteria. Killing viruses will require stronger chemicals that are in disinfectants. Disinfectants also kill bacteria.

It is important to read the labels on products before using them. Not all sanitizers or disinfectants are labeled for food contact surfaces. Some products may have warnings about use around children or animals. Other cautionary instructions will also be listed.

Hand sanitizers are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are made with strong concentrations of ethyl alcohol which can cause alcohol poisoning in children if eaten or drank and should be stored out of reach of children.

Dos and don’ts for using antimicrobials

• Always use the correct product labeled for the purpose intended.
• Read the label and follow directions.
• Don’t allow children to use disinfectant products.
• Always wash hands after use.
• Don’t allow children to have contact with disinfected surfaces (such as furniture, floors, or toys) until the surface has had enough time to dry as listed on the label.
• Do store products safely and out of reach of children.
• Never put disinfectant or cleaning products into drink or food containers.
• Never mix products.
• Be careful to not overuse sanitizers and disinfectants. This can lead to antimicrobial resistance.

Mold is caused by moisture problems and can create health risks in people with asthma and other allergic conditions.

• Dry spills or leaks as quickly as possible.
• Provide air movement or ventilation.
• Be careful when removing and discarding moldy items to minimize disturbing mold spores. Wear a face mask or respirator and gloves.
• Use a dehumidifier in problem areas.
• Maintain humidity of less than 60% in the spring through fall with air conditioners or dehumidifiers.
• Keep humidity at less than 40% in the winter to prevent condensation on cold surfaces.
• Make sure humidifiers and filters are cleaned or replaced according to their manufacturer’s specifications.

You can hire professional mold remediation services. They are equipped to address severe mold issues in schools, commercial buildings or homes after major flooding.

• Dealing with and preventing mold in your home
• Hiring a pest control professional

The EPA has reported that 50% of the two million poisoning incidents reported each year involve children under six years old. Most of these happen in homes, and many of these had at least one pesticide product stored within reach of children.

First rule of pesticide safety:

• Always read and follow the directions on pesticide labels. The label is the law.

People and pets

• Teach children that pesticides are dangerous.
• Crawl around your floor to get a child's perspective of any dangers.
• Make sure children wash their hands before eating, especially if they have been playing in areas where there may be pesticide residues.
• Install child- and pet-proof safety latches on cabinets and lock up all harmful products.
• Do not tamper with child-resistant safety features on pesticide containers.
• When a pesticide is not in use, make sure the container is closed and out of reach of children or pets in case you are interrupted during your application by distractions.
• Never transfer pesticides or other cleaning products to beverage containers.
• Place insect baits in areas where children cannot find them.
• Place rodent baits in tamper-resistant bait stations and out of reach of children.
• If mothballs are used, they should be sealed in airtight containers and stored out of reach of children. It is illegal to use them outdoors.
• Apply mosquito and insect repellents on clothing and not directly on the skin. Wash hands after application.

General use, storage and containers

• Wear clothing that covers the skin, closed-toe shoes, gloves, and possibly eye protection if there is a risk of being exposed to mist from a spray.
• Launder clothing that is contaminated with pesticide residue separately from other laundry.
• Open windows to allow fresh air in if the pesticides are used indoors, or close windows if they are used outdoors.
• Be aware of what the label says about timing and reentering a space after pesticides are used.
• When growing fruits and vegetables, read the label about the timing for harvest and washing recommendations.
• Keep pesticides and cleaning products in their original containers.
• Never store liquid pesticides where they can freeze. Freezing can expand and crack a container that will eventually thaw and create a spill hazard.

How are people exposed to pesticides?

• Breathing in particulates from pesticide foggers, mists or vapor.
• Absorption through the skin by touching pesticides or pesticide residues.
• Transfer of residues from putting food, fingers, or objects in your mouth after contact.

Who is at risk?

• Infants and children are uniquely vulnerable to poisoning by pesticides due to their small size and developing organ systems.
• People with vulnerable immune systems or aging adults can be more sensitive to pesticides.
• People who provide care for children, adults with dementia, or other special needs populations should be extra careful about following poisoning prevention protocols.
• Minimize exposure during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

Babies and small children have increased risks

• They spend more time crawling and playing on floors or on grass that has been treated with pesticides, where residues can transfer to the skin.
• They have a greater chance of breathing in chemicals through dust particles that get disturbed. Babies also take more breaths per minute than adults, which can increase their exposure.
• They frequently put their fingers or toys in their mouths or rub their eyes.
• They take in a greater amount of air, food, and water relative to their body weight.

Animals and pesticide exposure

• Pesticide products are frequently used directly on pets and livestock to control ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and other pests.
• Pets and livestock can get exposed to pesticides used in a lawn or garden, or in an agricultural setting, by direct contact or drift.
• Pets can also be exposed by licking their paws or fur or putting objects in their mouths after contact.
• Animals may eat baits that are used for moles, gophers, rodents, or slugs.
• Animals may eat rodents that have consumed poisonous baits.

Symptoms of poisoning

Symptoms may be mild or severe and may include increased tiredness, lack of appetite, increased drooling, muscle tremors or lack of coordination.

If you suspect that an animal has pesticide poisoning, call a veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.

Prevent pesticide poisoning in pets or other animals

• When using flea and tick products or other pesticides on pets, always follow label directions. Use the correct amount of product for the correct pet. Pay attention to the size of the pet the product is labeled for.
• Place rodent baits in tamper-resistant bait stations.
• When rodent baits are used and not contained in a station, search for less toxic products or place them where pets cannot reach them. Pets can be poisoned by eating rodents that have been poisoned. This is called secondary poisoning.
• Keep pets away from areas that are treated with pesticides. Follow label directions that state when that area can be reentered. Granular applications may need more time to dissolve.
• Ensure that all pet toys and food and water containers are removed from areas to be treated.
• Wash pets after exposure.
• Cover bird baths, ponds, and pools before using pesticides.
• If hiring a professional lawn care or pest control company, ask about their safety protocols.

Be pollinator aware

Pollinators are very sensitive to pesticides. Use caution when applying pesticides on or near flowering plants. Some pesticide labels contain statements about the best timing for applying pesticides and how to protect bees under the “Environmental Hazards” section or in a “Bee Advisory” box.

Pesticide spills and cleanup

Accidents can happen, and there are safety measures that should be used when cleaning up spills. For small spills, contact the product manufacturer for their recommendation on clean-up and disposal.

For larger spills, such as those that can greatly affect human health or the environment, contact the Minnesota Duty Officer at 800-422-0798 or 651-649-5451 (available 24 hours).

Community vector programs

Vector control programs are often managed by agencies such as the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Mosquito Control District, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, local counties, cities, or urban forestry companies that treat public spaces for pests.

Vector control programs control insect populations such as ticks and mosquitoes that can transmit human and livestock diseases or control invasive species in areas such as parks and wetlands.

Pesticides and air

Pesticides, when applied as a spray, create mist that can move with the air. On very hot days, a pesticide can be transformed into a vapor that can then drift with the wind.

Health risks are determined by:

• the toxicity of the pesticide,
• how much is in the air, and
• how much a person breathes in or is exposed to.

How to minimize exposure:

• Follow pesticide label directions closely. Be aware of references to wind and temperature precautions.
• When pesticides are used outdoors, consider staying indoors with windows closed.
• When products are used indoors, make sure there is good ventilation.

Pesticides and water

Pesticides can be harmful to fish, birds, or other organisms that live in or near water. They can enter surface waters such as rivers, streams, and lakes through snowmelt, rain runoff, and spray drift. Some pesticides can also move down through the soil and enter groundwater.

Maintain healthy water:

• Always follow label directions and allow for the recommended drying time or absorption time of a pesticide prior to rainfall.
• Choose the right product for the job. For example, some herbicides should never be used on shorelines or on aquatic plants. Only those that are labeled as safe for aquatic plants should be used.
• Avoid applying pesticides on hard surfaces.
• Never pour unused pesticides down the drain or in a storm sewer that ends up in nearby water bodies.
• Follow label directions for proper disposal. Contact your local waste management and recycling centers for their hazardous waste collection information.
• Plant native grasses or flowers between a lawn and shoreline that can serve as a buffer zone to help filter pollutants from entering waters.

Pesticides and soils

There are many beneficial organisms that live in the soil, such as nesting pollinators, microbes, and beneficial fungi. Some pesticides are more toxic to these organisms than others.

Maintain healthy soil:

• Use pest prevention practices in your lawn or garden.
• Promote and maintain healthy plant and lawn growth to lessen the need for pesticides.
• Choose disease-resistant plants or those that attract beneficial insects that help control unwanted insects.
• Avoid overhead watering if possible and space plants to allow more air circulation to reduce plant diseases that contaminate the soil and can splash back onto plants.
• When using pesticides, follow label directions and never use more than the recommended amounts.
• If you are concerned about residual pesticides in your soil, there are independent soil test labs that offer analysis services for a fee. 

Q: Can my landlord apply pesticides in my building or unit without my permission?

A: Landlords and building owners do not have a legal obligation to notify tenants or residents.

Q: Can my condo or townhome association apply pesticides to common grounds without notifying residents?

A: Homeowner associations (HOAs) do not have a legal obligation to notify residents.

Q: Are schools required to notify families when pesticides are going to be used?

A: In Minnesota, the Parents’ Right-to-Know Act requires public and non-public K-12 schools to notify employees and parents or guardians about pesticide use on school property if certain pesticides are applied.

Q: Can cities or counties apply pesticides in a park or children’s play area?

A: Cities, counties, or other municipalities do not have a legal obligation to notify residents.

Q: I live near a farm and can smell chemicals. What are the risks of getting sick?

A: Many factors may contribute to pesticide exposure. If you get sick, call a doctor immediately. If there is a concern about drift or toxic exposure, contact the Minnesota Department of Agriculture at 651-201-6333. 

Q: Mosquito control treats the area where I live; can I opt out on my property?

A: To opt out of mosquito control treatments on your property, contact Metropolitan Mosquito Control District.

Q: Can I opt out of Spongy Moth (formerly known as Gypsy Moth) treatments on my property?

A: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) monitors and treats for spongy moth movements. Homeowners cannot opt out of treatment, but you can learn where treatments will be conducted and get information about the pesticides that are used.

Q: I think pesticides have been misused in my neighborhood; who can I call to file a complaint?

A: The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is the state agency responsible for investigating complaints of illegal pesticide use, including any misuse resulting in illness or injury to people. 

Children are sensitive to ingredients in pesticides and have different guidelines and recommendations for pesticide use.

• Practical Pest Prevention for Schools - UMN Extension resource includes pest calendar and walk-through checklist
• Pesticide Notification in Schools (Parents Right to Know Act)  
• Managing Pests in Schools   
• Resources on Pesticide Issues for School and Childcare  
• Daycare and School Poison Safety
• Minnesota Department of Health: Evaluation of Cleaners, Sanitizers, and Disinfectants for Surfaces
• Training, Webinars and Resources for Child Care Providers
• Integrated Pest Management | California Childcare Health Program

• National Pesticide Information Center  
• Head Lice Information for Health Professionals
• Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings
• Pesticide Drift Exposure: Information for Health Care Providers
• Minnesota Poison Control System: 1-800-222-1222