South Dakota Ag Connection - Insecticide Safety: How to Prevent Unnecessary Exposure

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Insecticide Safety: How to Prevent Unnecessary Exposure
South Dakota Ag Connection - 03/16/2018

Insecticide applications occur year-round to manage insect pests that would otherwise reduce crop yields, damage stored grain or infest houses and other structures.

When applying insecticides, South Dakotans need to take appropriate precautions to ensure their own health and safety.

"Insecticide products can be useful for the management of insect pests, especially when they are a part of an integrated pest management program. However, be sure follow label instructions and utilize caution, as misuse can prove harmful or even fatal," said Adam Varenhorst, Assistant Professor & SDSU Extension Field Crop Entomologist.

Below Varenhorst outlines the steps that should be taken prior to application to enhance safety.

Pesticides, of which insecticides are a type, are classified as either general or restricted use.

The products that can be purchased over the counter are those that are classified as general use. As the name implies, restricted use pesticides require a license to purchase and use.

The most important thing to remember when working with insecticides is to always follow the label instructions.

"Labels contain important safety and allowed use information," Varenhorst said. "Insecticide labels also provide the information regarding the proper personal protective equipment to wear when handling, mixing, loading or applying the product."

For most foliar applied insecticides, this list usually includes chemical resistant protective gloves, a respirator with organic vapor/acid gas cartridges, long-sleeve shirt, long pants, and eye protection.

For fumigants, the required personal protective equipment depends on the fumigant that is being used as well as the levels of the associated gas in the environment that they are being applied to.

Fumigant personal protective equipment usually consists of dry cotton gloves, long-sleeve and loose fitting clothing, and either a canister type or a self-contained breathing apparatus.

If there is a need to apply restricted use insecticides to reduce insect pests, a license is required - either a commercial pesticide applicator license or a private applicator certification card.

"These licenses must be kept up-to-date in order to legally purchase and apply any restricted use products," Varenhorst said.

Commercial and private applicator licenses can be renewed either through testing at an approved site or by attending a commercial or private applicator training session.

The purpose of these renewals is to ensure that individuals dealing with restricted use insecticides remain aware of the hazards associated with these products and the methods to ensure safe and appropriate use.

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