As we transition to fall and harvest time, remember these pesticide storage tips to preserve your pesticide products and keep you and your family safe.
Always store pesticide containers right side up and place them into secondary containment, such as a metal tray or plastic tub. This will reduce the chances of pesticide spills or leaks. If a leak occurs the secondary container will catch the pesticide. Spilled pesticides waste money, increase your chance of pesticide exposure, and require careful cleanup.
Avoid using absorbent materials for shelving or flooring. Pesticides are best stored on metal shelves in an area with a sealed concrete floor. This will prevent pesticide absorption into shelves or flooring and make cleanup much easier. Other alternatives include plastic shelving, no-wax sheet flooring, or other nonabsorbent materials.
Pesticides should be stored with similar types of pesticides. Storing herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides together will increase the likelihood of picking up the wrong product when mixing. It is recommended to organize your storage area by pesticide type. Pesticides should not be stored with fertilizer or livestock feed.
Food and drink should Never be in the pesticide storage area. Food and drink items can be contaminated while working with pesticides and increase your risk of exposure. Also, pesticides and other chemicals should never be stored in food or drink containers. This can be very confusing to anyone, but especially, to young and old alike.
If a replacement pesticide container is needed, clean empty jugs can sometimes be obtained from your pesticide dealer or farm store. Additionally, they can be purchased in advance from supply companies, such as Gemplers.
While this is a busy time of year, taking a moment to store pesticides properly now can protect your safety, the environment, and your investment in pesticide products.
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock