Using Pesticides at Home
Pesticides include insect sprays, ant baits, weed killers, rodent poisons and bug bombs. They are designed to kill living things, so they can hurt people and pets too. Reading the label and using as little as needed keeps your family safe.
- Homeowners
- Renters
- Parents & Pet Owners
- Gardeners
Try the least toxic option first
Integrated pest management (IPM) prevents pests with fewer chemicals:
- Remove what attracts pests: food, water, clutter and entry points. Seal cracks, fix leaks, store food in sealed containers and take out trash.
- Use traps, screens, barriers and physical removal first.
- Choose baits and gels over sprays, and spot treat instead of broadcast spraying.
- Pick a product labeled for your specific pest and site.
The label is the law
- Pesticides sold in the U.S. are registered by the EPA. The product label has legally enforceable directions. Using a pesticide in a way not on the label is illegal and unsafe.
- Read before every use: the pest and site, how much to use, the signal word (CAUTION is lowest toxicity, WARNING is moderate, DANGER is highest), required protective equipment, re-entry times, and first aid.
- Never use more than the label says. More is not better and may be dangerous.
- Never use outdoor products indoors or products meant for pets on people.
Applying safely
- Wear the protective gear on the label: chemical-resistant gloves, long sleeves and pants, closed shoes, eye protection and a respirator if required. Wash gear after. See PPE for DIY Projects.
- Remove or cover food, dishes, toys, pet bowls and fish tanks before treating indoors. Keep children and pets out until the label's re-entry time passes.
- Ventilate indoor areas as directed and don't spray near open flames or pilot lights. Many sprays are flammable.
- Don't apply in wind or before rain, and avoid drift onto neighbors' yards, gardens and water. Don't spray flowering plants where bees visit.
- Mix only what you need, in a ventilated place, and never mix products unless the label says so. Use dedicated sprayers and measuring tools.
- Wash hands and exposed skin after use and before eating, drinking or smoking.
- Don't use bug bombs (foggers) in large amounts or without ventilation. They can ignite near pilot lights and sparks and expose people. Use only one for the room size, as directed. See Household Chemicals.
Storage and disposal
- Keep pesticides in their original labeled containers, in a locked cabinet out of reach of children and pets, away from food, heat and flames. Never transfer to food or drink bottles. See Secondary Container Labels.
- Buy only what you need. Use leftover product as directed on the label, or take it to a household hazardous waste collection. Don't pour it down drains or onto the ground. See Household Chemicals.
- Rinse empty containers as the label directs and dispose of as instructed.
If someone is exposed
- Skin: remove contaminated clothing and wash skin with soap and water.
- Eyes: rinse with clean water for 15 minutes. See Eyewash & Showers.
- Swallowed or inhaled: move to fresh air and call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or 911 for serious symptoms. Have the product label ready. See Chemical Exposure First Aid.
Home pesticide checklist
- I tried prevention, traps and baits before sprays
- I read the label and used the product only as directed
- Children, pets and food were kept away during and after treatment
- Products are stored locked in original containers
- I have the Poison Control number, 1-800-222-1222
Standards & references
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