Do you know where your pesticides are … ?

As you start wrapping up your garden for the season, consider this survey result: almost one half of surveyed households with children under the age of 5 had at least one pesticide stored within a child's reach. Proper pesticide storage helps prolong chemical shelf life while protecting the health of people, animals and the environment. Read the product label for specific storage information. Some basic tips for storing pesticides include:

• Store pesticides in locked cabinets.


• Always store pesticides in their original containers with their tops tightly closed.


• Never store pesticides in any food or drink container.


• Never store pesticides in cabinets near food, potable water, animal feed, medical supplies, protective clothing, seed, fertilizers or gasoline.


• Keep pesticides stored in cool dry areas to avoid temperature extremes.


• Store dry pesticides above liquid pesticides.


• Never store pesticides in application equipment.


• Keep emergency numbers handy.


• Reduce storage needs by buying only the amount and type of pesticide needed for the upcoming year.


• Read the label!

For the free fact sheet on 'What You Need to Know About Storing Pesticides' go to http://pubs.cas.psu.edu/freepubs/pdfs/uo216.pdf or call your local extension office. In Lackawanna County, call 963-6842 and ask for the garden helpline or email LackawannaExt@psu.edu

Terry Schettini, Extension Educator
Penn State Cooperative Extension in Lackawanna County