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?

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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.