Introduction

Pesticides are used to kill a pest or prevent or reduce the damage it may cause. This website provides information on selecting, applying, storing, and disposing of pesticides and pesticide containers. On the left side of the screen, there are 'folder tabs' that address these topics. You can click any tab for specific information or read through all of them to gain a more complete knowledge on handling pesticides properly. Pesticides should be considered tools or steps in a process. Before using a pesticide, we encourage you to read the section on understanding pest management. 

One way that pesticides are categorized is according to the pest or problem that they control. The term pest refers to any unwanted organism. The most common pests are weeds, some insects and rodents, and bothersome or disease-causing micro-organisms. Therefore, pesticides are not just insecticides, but a whole realm of different products and pesticide-treated products including:

Disinfectants--kill bacteria
  bleach, ammonia, kitchen/bathroon cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners, disinfectant aerosols, tub & tile cleaners, pool & spa cleaners

Fungicides--kill fungi and mildew
  rose and flower sprays, treated seeds, paint additives that prevent mildew growth

Herbicides--kill unwanted plants
  weed killers, cut-stump treatments, weed-and-feed lawncare products

Insecticides--kill/repel insects, ticks, & mites
  garden dusts, soap sprays, mosquito repellents, bug sprays, ant and roach baits, flea shampoos, flea and tick collars, moth balls

Rodenticides--kills rats and mice
  mouse and rat bait stations

Wood preservatives--protect wood from insects and fungi
  pressure-treated wood

Other repellents
  keep deer, raccoons, and rabbits away from your garden 

Know the Law: How to Identify a Pesticide--The sale and use of pesticides is regulated federally by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An EPA Registration number is printed on the label of most pesticides (e.g., EPA Reg. No. 1234-567); the number automatically identifies the product as a pesticide (see Reading the Pesticide Label). Some products may contain active ingredients that are considered “minimum risk”. These products will not have an EPA registration number, but must still comply with minimum EPA standards regarding labeling information. Pesticides must be sold in the manufacturer’s original container with a complete label. If you have doubts that a pesticide is legal, contact your State Lead (Pesticide) Agency . In most states, pesticide regulation is part of the Department of Agriculture.