Pesticide Safety
Selected Readings and Content
- Maine Board of Pesticide Control Pest Management Resources
- Master Gardener Resources
- YardScaping
- School IPM — Pesticide use is strictly regulated in Maine schools. All Maine schools, both public and private, are required to adopt IPM policies and practices and appoint an IPM coordinator.
A quick guide to Maine’s school IPM requirements — Maine School IPM Brochure (PDF) - Got Pests?
Master Gardener Volunteer Training
Core Competencies
At the end of these sessions you will be able to articulate and explain:
- The different types of pesticides and how they work;
- Insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, rodenticides, etc.
- The terms “natural”, “organic”, “biological”, “synthetic” do not imply how safe or toxic a product is.
- The different pesticide formulations, and which formulations pose the least risk of exposure to the user;
- Ready to use (RTU) solutions, granules, baits,
- Emulsifiable concentrates,
- Wettable powders, aerosols, dusts, etc.
- How to read, understand and follow a pesticide label;
- Active ingredient,
- Level of toxicity (LD50, signal word),
- Type of PPE to use
- How to mix and apply
- Site and pest on which it can be used,
- Reentry interval / days to harvest,
- Environmental hazards, emergency procedures, etc.
- LABEL IS THE LAW
- Application is restricted to only crops listed on label
- How to assess the risks vs. the benefits of pesticide use;
- Potential risks: non-target species affected, off-site exposure, accumulation in the environment, reduction in natural predators, etc.
- Potential benefits: better yield, reduced natural toxins in crops, less crop damage, aesthetic, public health improvements, etc.
- Principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM);
- Identify the problem – Is the problem caused by a pest?
- Assess the level of damage
- Determine if a control is needed (threshold)
- Apply a control: use least toxic option first, correct timing / susceptible stage of pest, apply only where needed, etc.
- Monitor and assess the result: keep records of pest damage, controls used and results
- How to reduce pesticide exposure to the environment;
- Alternative pest management strategies: cultural controls, mechanical controls, biological controls, tolerance for damage, etc.
- Spot treatments instead of broadcast treatments
- Principles of resistance and resistance management
- Reduce pesticide drift: timing, weather
- Protect water bodies (25 foot buffer zone required for all broadcast applications)
- Keep products off impervious surfaces, don’t apply just before rain.
- How to minimize pesticide exposure to humans;
- Identify individual sensitivities
- Selection and use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Keep in original containers
- Follow proper mixing and application procedures
- Understand dose: exposure & toxicity
- How to properly store, secure and dispose of pesticides.
- Keep in a location away from children
- Purchase the smallest quantity for your needs
- Understand the storage needs of different formulations of pesticide: (powder, liquid, EC, etc.)
- Become familiar with Maine Board of Pesticides Control (BPC)
- Questions
- Complaints
- Pesticide Pick-Ups for old, out of date, expired
- Why Master Gardener Volunteers do not give advice on the use of pesticides
Practical Skills Gained and Strengthened
- How to read, understand and follow a pesticide label;
- Acquire and keep dedicated PPE on hand to use when needed. Know how to launder and re-use, if applicable.
- How to access credible information on pesticides.