Making Pesticide Treatment Child and Pet Proof
Pesticides are artificially created poisonous chemicals that are used to kill destructive insects. This can be in the form of liquid, sprays or solids. The pesticides, though beneficial for killing insects, are also very risky if not used, stored and disposed of in appropriate ways. Per proper pest control guidelines, there are certain precautions we must take to protect families and their pets from exposure.
The most common exposure to pest control chemicals comes from improper storage. It is essential that any pesticides be stored in properly sealed, labeled containers, out of the reach of children and pets. Also, if possible, store these chemicals behind a lock.
The second most common exposure to pesticides is through the air. After spraying for insects in any area of a home or building, the area should be vacated for at least 4 hours to ensure the chemicals have dried and there are no airborne toxins to inhale. You want to ensure there are no traces of the pesticides aside from the crevasses between walls and flooring where you sprayed. It also helps to open a window, if possible, to let the room(s) air out.
In addition to ensuring the rooms are vacated for the specified period, it’s also a good idea to have a conversation with your children explaining the dangers of pesticides and why it’s important to stay off the ground and frequently wash their hands. Any pets should be removed from affected rooms as well, whether it’s by locking them out or putting up a pet barricade/fencing that can be purchased from the local pet store.
When disposing of pesticides, it’s important that they be treated as harmful chemicals. The product label on the bottle has a statement called “Storage and Disposal” that should be followed for disposal. State and local laws, especially in Beaverton and Portland, are more strict than the federal requirements, so it’s important to read the instructions carefully. If you’re still unsure how to properly dispose of the pesticides after use, you can contact your local household hazardous waste hotline at 1-800-cleanup. Whatever you do, do not dump left over chemicals down the drain; that’s considering pollution and can contaminate the local environment,