Pesticide Safety Tips
                     PESTICIDE
SAFETY TIPS
Many homeowners choose to do their 
own pest control. 
If you do your own spraying, 
it’s important that you understand 
the dangers and take 
precautionary measures.
The majority of pesticide preparations 
that are sold to the general public 
contain chemicals that 
can cause harm. 
Anyone who uses pesticides has a legal 
obligation to protect other people, 
animals, and the environment from 
unnecessary illnesses or damage. 
Before you start to spray, make sure 
to read the label on the container. 
It is critical to follow 
the directions completely. 
These safety tips can also serve 
as additional guidelines for using 
pesticides responsibly.
Check the Weather
Sprays tend to blow in the wrong 
direction on windy days. 
Rain can also cause the pesticide 
to run off into bad areas. 
If the weather forecast predicts rain 
or wind, it is better to wait 
for another day. 
Ensuring that sprinkler systems do not 
come on during or immediately after 
the application is another essential 
precaution to take.
 Wear Protective Clothing
The chemicals in pesticides can cause 
skin irritation if they hit your skin.
Certain chemicals are also linked 
to cancer or reproductive harm. 
It is best to cover as much exposed 
skin as possible. 
Wear long sleeves and pants, 
as well as gloves to protect your hands 
from being sprayed or dripped 
on during the application. 
Once you are done spraying, 
change out of your clothes. 
These items should be laundered 
before being worn again. 
Wash your hands after changing 
to get any residue off that might have 
come in contact with your skin when 
you removed your gloves 
and other clothing.
Put Together an Emergency 
Clean-Up Kit
Being prepared for spills helps 
to minimize the risk of runoff into 
the environment. 
Absorbent materials work best 
for cleaning up pesticides. 
Cat litter, towels, and sawdust 
are a few of the best materials 
to absorb the liquid.
Avoid using water to hose 
the area down. 
This can cause the pesticide 
to contaminate soil and other 
vulnerable areas.
Mix Pesticides 
in a Well-Ventilated Area
Many pesticides are sold 
in concentrated formulas. 
Find a well-ventilated area that allows 
you to mix the formula without 
breathing in spray or heavy fumes. 
An open garage or driveway is a safe 
place to do any mixing.
Remove or Cover Food 
and Eating Utensils
Indoor pest problems should only 
be treated with formulas that are 
meant for use inside buildings. 
Putting pesticides down indoors 
requires additional preparation. 
Make sure that all food is completely 
covered or moved to a safe location.
The same goes for dishes 
and silverware.
Keep Children and Pets Away 
From the Area
Small children could inhale the spray. 
They might also be curious and play 
with granules or powders.
Pets might eat or lick up undried 
pesticides, and exposure 
to the chemicals can harm anyone 
if it is absorbed through the skin. 
The label on the container should list 
how long to keep others away from 
the application site. 
If you apply a pesticide in a publicly 
accessible area, you may need 
to post warning signs.
Dispose of Empty 
Containers Properly
Improper disposal of leftover 
pesticides and empty containers 
can lead to unintentional exposure 
and environmental issues. 
Check with your local trash program 
or the community environmental 
services to find out how to properly 
dispose of the leftover materials.
Pesticides are strong chemicals that 
are designed to kill unwanted insects 
and animals. 
Following the directions is vital for 
reducing the risk of harm to people, 
animals, and the environment. 
Custom Weed & Pest Control has 
been in business since 1989, serving 
the greater Phoenix metro area for 
both residential and commercial.
We offer an affordable weed and pest 
control package, with customized service 
to meet your specific needs.
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