Safe And Effective
Pesticides, Fertilizers
I
t's that time of the year again when
millions of do-it-yourself homeown-
ers face the challenges of keeping
problem insects and weeds away
from home gardens and yards — while
staying within the family budget.
The pesticides and fertilizers avail-
able at local hardware and home
improvement stores are designed spe-
cifically to help with these tasks, but
choosing the right products and using
them correctly is something every
homeowner must consider.
"Nothing is more rewarding than
picking healthy, home-grown veg-
etables or enjoying a healthy lawn
or a pest-free outdoor space with
family, friends and pets," says Allen
James, president of RISE (Responsible
Industry for a Sound Environment),
a national organization representing
the manufacturers, formulators and
distributors of pesticide and fertilizer
products.
"The range of products available
to homeowners is vast, but you have
to use the ones that are right for your
specific situation and use them respon-
sibly."
Here are some basic guidelines to
help homeowners choose the right
products and use them correctly:
• Identify the problem — Different
pesticides and fertilizers are formulated
to work in various ways, so positively
identifying the problem is vital. If this
is unclear or unknown, ask a qualified
expert or local extension agent.
• Determine the best method of con-
trol — Research the best, most effec-
tive, most economical solution for the
specific problem at hand. Sometimes
pesticides or fertilizer products are the
answer; other times, a different solution
might be appropriate.
• Read and follow all label direc-
tions — If pesticides or fertilizers are
needed, remember the label is the law.
Read the label carefully for mixing and
application instructions as well as other
precautionary information such as
wearing proper clothing or product dry-
ing time after application.
• Use only what is needed —
Measure, mix and use the right amount
of product needed for the task at hand.
Don't over-apply, but don't under-apply
either. Read the directions and follow
them to the letter.
• Store products in a clean, dry area.
Always store any unused pesticide or
fertilizer products away from weather
or direct sunlight. Make sure all prod-
ucts are stored out of reach of kids and
pets.
Pesticides and fertilizers control, kill
or moderate unwanted and dangerous
pest populations ranging from stinging
insects to vegetable-destroying fungus
to noxious weeds, and they help to
minimize the risks posed to homeown-
ers, families, pets and property.
When used according to label direc-
tions and applied as directed, they
have the potential to make a substan-
tial positive impact on the productivity
and usability of gardens and green
spaces around the home.
For more information on the proper
application of pesticides a nd fertilizers,
visit www.pestfacts.org .
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