Follow these guidelines to store pesticides safely:
- Follow all storage instructions on the pesticide label.
- Do not stockpile. Reduce storage needs by buying only the amount of pesticide that you will need during the current season when the pest is active.
- Never store pesticides in application equipment. Only mix the amount needed for the current application. If the application is complete, but excess mixture remains in the equipment, continue to apply according to the label directions.
- Store pesticides out of reach of children and pets.
- Keep all pesticides in a locked cabinet in a well-ventilated utility area or garden shed.
- Never store pesticides under kitchen or bathroom sinks.
- Use child-resistant packaging correctly - close the container tightly after using the product. Child resistant does not mean child proof, so you still must be extra careful to store properly - out of children’s reach.
- Store pesticides in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, protected from freezing temperatures and away from heat sources and direct sunlight.
- Store flammable liquids outside your living area and far away from an ignition source such as a furnace, a car, an outdoor grill, or a power lawn mower.
- Never store pesticides in cabinets with or near food, animal feed, or medical supplies.
- Do not store pesticides in places where flooding is possible or in places where they might spill or leak into wells, drains, groundwater, or surface water.
- Always store pesticides in their original containers, complete with its label. Never transfer pesticides to soft
drink bottles or other containers. Children or others may mistake them for something to eat or drink.
- Preserve the product label in a legible condition; consider making an extra copy for safekeeping. Do not allow the label to become missing, damaged, or destroyed.
- Inspect containers periodically for damage or leaks.
- If you can’t identify the contents of the container, or if you can’t tell how old the contents are, follow the advice on safe disposal in the next section.
For additional information on pesticide storage:
What you need to know about: Storing a Pesticide. 2003. Richard Johnson, Sharon Gripp, and Kerry Richards. Penn State University. http://www.pested.psu.edu/resources/facts/. Pesticide safety fact sheets, Consumer topics, Applicator topics and West Nile Virus fact sheets provided by Penn State to help with pesticide education.
Store Pesticides Safely. Sept. 2001. Robert Bellinger. Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. http://entweb.clemson.edu/pesticid/saftyed/homeuse.htm. Clemson University Homeowner Pesticide Information. Clemson provides information on how to use pesticides in the home and the safe and proper way of applying it.