How to use an insecticide

How to use an insecticide
Because research is constantly being done to
determine the safety of insecticides and improve their
effectiveness, it's difficult to give long-term
recommendations about their use. Basic rules,
however, always apply: Read the directions and
precautions on the label and follow them
meticulously, and never make the solution
stronger than the label says because you think it'll
work better that way. If the product would be more
effective in a stronger solution the label would say so.
You need to use common sense when working
with an insecticide. If there are just a few, visible
insects on your plants, it may be a lot easier to
remove them by hand than to go through the full
routine of applying a chemical remedy. Also,
weather conditions limit when you can use a product
that has to be sprayed or dusted on the plants —
you can't do it on a windy day because you can't
control the direction of the application. The wind
can take your insecticide over into your neighbor's
garden; so you'll both fail to correct your own pest
problem, and you'll make your neighbor mad. As the
one who's using the pesticide, you are responsible
for it.
You'll also defeat your own purpose by using an
insecticide if rain is expected within 12 to 24 hours.
The insecticide must dry on the plant in order to be
effective. Whether you use a spray or a dust, make
sure that you reach all parts of the plants—you're
aiming for a light covering on both the tops and the
undersides of all the leaves. Don't give the pests a
place to hide; proper coverage is essential if the
insecticide is to do its job.
The products we suggest are commonly used in
the home vegetable garden as we write this. But
before you go out to buy one, check with your local
Cooperative Extension Service to make sure that these
recommendations are still current.
If you do decide to use a pesticide to control
insects in your vegetable garden, here are some
important points to remember:
• Read the whole label; observe all the precautions
and follow all the directions exactly.
• Check the time period that must elapse between
application of the insecticide and harvesting the
plant, and observe it strictly. Note all restrictions
carefully — often products must be applied at a
certain stage in the plant's development.
• Wear rubber gloves while handling insecticide
concentrates; don't smoke while you're handling
them, and take care not to breathe the spray or
dust.
• Sprays usually have to be mixed before each use.
Follow the directions, and use only the exact
proportions indicated on the label. If it's not used
exactly as indicated, an insecticide may be harmful
to people, animals, or plants.
• Use equipment that you keep specifically for use
with insecticides. Don't use equipment that has
been used for herbicides.
• Do not apply an insecticide near fish ponds, dug
wells, or cisterns; do not leave puddles of pesticides
on solid surfaces.
• Use a spray or dust-type insecticide only when the
air is still. Wind will carry the product away from
your garden and, possibly, be a nuisance to
someone else. Don't spray or dust within 12 to 24
hours of an expected rain — the insecticide must
dry on the plants to be effective; rain will wash it off.
• After using an insecticide, wash your clothes and
all exposed parts of the body thoroughly with soap
and water.
• Store unused material (undiluted) in its original
container out of the reach of children, irresponsible
adults, or animals — preferably in a locked
cabinet or storage area.
• Dispose of the empty container carefully. Do not
leave it where children or animals can get to it or
where it might be recycled for another use.
• Wash all treated vegetables carefully before
eating them.