Pesticides at Home

A pesticide is a substance that kills or controls unwanted pests. These include insects, weeds, fungi, mice, or bacteria. Types of pesticides include:

What is the information for this topic?

Pesticides are poisonous. In order to use them safely in the home, it is important to know as much about them as possible.

Choosing a pesticide

The most common types of pesticides used in the home come in the following forms:

Certain pesticides are effective against a wide range of pests. Others target only a few. Some products are more toxic than others.

When choosing pesticides, a person should:

Pesticides are poisons. They may be dangerous if swallowed, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Signal words on the product label indicate how poisonous a pesticide is:

Preparing and using a pesticide

Before using a pesticide, a person should read the product label carefully. When preparing or using a pesticide, a person should:

After using a pesticide, a person should thoroughly clean hair, body, and clothes. Clothing should be washed separately to keep the pesticide from coming in contact with other clothes.

Storing a pesticide

Pesticides should never be stored in household containers. They could be consumed accidentally. Stored pesticide should be labeled carefully with large writing in waterproof ink.

Symptoms of pesticide exposure

Symptoms of pesticide poisoning vary, depending on the organ system and type of pesticide. Some examples include:

In extreme cases of pesticide poisoning, a person may be unable to breath or move. This paralysis is the way many insecticides kill bugs.

First aid for pesticide exposure

If poisoning is suspected, the following actions should be taken:

If the person is unconscious, contact the emergency medical services right away. If a pesticide was swallowed and the person is awake, call the poison control center right away. Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water. Staff at the poison control center may recommend drinking plenty of water or milk to dilute the pesticide. Never make the person vomit unless specifically instructed to do so.

After initial help is given, medical care should be sought immediately. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.