1. Read the whole label first
The label tells you what the product is approved for, how much to use, what protective equipment is required, how long to keep people out of a treated area and how to store and dispose of it. In the United States, using a pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling is a violation of federal law (FIFRA). Read it before you buy, before you mix, and before you apply.
2. Understand the signal word
| Signal word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| DANGER (sometimes with "Poison" and skull & crossbones) | Highly toxic by at least one route of exposure, or corrosive to skin or eyes. |
| WARNING | Moderately toxic or moderately irritating. |
| CAUTION | Slightly toxic or slightly irritating. |
A milder signal word does not mean "safe"; it describes acute toxicity only.
3. Wear the PPE the label requires
- Chemical-resistant gloves (the label may name the material, such as nitrile or butyl). Never use cotton or leather gloves for liquids.
- Long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and chemical-resistant footwear as specified.
- Eye protection (goggles or face shield) when mixing and loading concentrates.
- A respirator only of the type the label specifies, properly fit-tested.
- Wash PPE separately from household laundry and wash hands before eating, drinking, smoking or using the toilet.
4. Respect re-entry and pre-harvest intervals
The restricted-entry interval (REI) is the time after application during which workers may not enter the treated area without PPE. The pre-harvest interval (PHI) is the minimum time between the last application and harvest. Both are set per product and per crop on the label.
5. Mix and load carefully
- Mix outdoors or in a well-ventilated area away from wells, drains and surface water.
- Use an anti-backflow device or an air gap when filling a sprayer from a water supply.
- Triple-rinse or pressure-rinse empty containers and add the rinsate to the spray tank.
- Calibrate the sprayer so you apply the labeled rate (see our calibration guide and calculators).
6. Avoid drift
Check the label for wind-speed and droplet-size requirements, use the recommended nozzles, keep boom height low and avoid spraying during temperature inversions or when wind is blowing toward sensitive areas, homes, water or pollinator habitat.
7. Store safely
- Keep products in their original labeled containers, in a locked, dry, ventilated area out of reach of children and animals.
- Separate herbicides from other pesticides, seed, feed and fertilizer to avoid cross-contamination.
- Protect from freezing and excessive heat if the label says so. See our storage guide.
8. Be ready for spills and exposure
- Keep a spill kit (absorbent, shovel, heavy plastic bags, PPE) where chemicals are stored and mixed.
- Control, contain, then clean up: stop the source, keep the spill from spreading, absorb and bag the material, and dispose of it as directed.
- For exposure, follow the label's first-aid statement and call poison control: 1-800-222-1222 (U.S.). Have the label with you.
9. Dispose of leftovers properly
Never pour pesticides down drains or onto the ground. Use leftover mix on a labeled site at the labeled rate, and take unwanted products to a household-hazardous-waste or pesticide collection program in your area.