Before you reach for pesticides to treat plants or kill pests, it’s important to consider the potential environmental impact of their misuse. If pesticides are applied too heavily, they can be transported in stormwater runoff and groundwater, which can be toxic to people, plants and animals.
Important Pesticide-Use Tips:
- Consider free plant diagnostic services. If you are dealing with a pesky disease or pest in your lawn, garden or landscape, consult with the University of Kentucky’s Cooperative Extension Service. Your county Cooperative Extension Office provides free plant diagnostic services in Northern Kentucky and their research-based solutions may even be pesticide-free. If pesticide use is necessary, the UK horticulture experts will recommend the most effective and environmentally friendly product. To connect with a UK horticulture expert, visit https://extension.ca.uky.edu/ask-an-expert.
- Always follow pesticide label instructions. Federal law prohibits the use of pesticides in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. More is not better! Applying more pesticide than the label instructs wastes money; can cause harm to people, plants and animals; and may even be less effective at controlling the target pest. Don't assume you remember instructions from a previous treatment– always double-check the label. And never apply pesticides when rain is expected.
- Storing pesticides poses unnecessary risks, so only buy what you need. Always consult the pesticide label for disposal instructions (including the empty container). When needed, look for opportunities to safely dispose of unwanted pesticides in your area. The NKY Solid Waste Resource Guide, linked at sd1.org, is a great resource for this info in our region.
Remember to read pesticide labels when diagnosing, selecting, preparing, mixing, applying and storing pesticides.
