Herbicides

Read the label.
Since herbicides contain strong chemicals, the Environmental Protection Agency and state agriculture departments regulate the use and production of herbicides, especially in large-scale farming practices. Always read the label first for special instructions for your specific herbicide.

Know the toxicity signal word.
Herbicides will usually have one of three different signal words on their labels to help the user understand their toxicity level. Toxicity is based on how harmful and severe symptoms can become if you are exposed to herbicide chemicals. Caution- slightly toxic, Warning- moderately toxic, and Danger- highly toxic.

Understanding the mode of action and application.
Understanding how your herbicide kills and how it is applied will help to prevent mishaps. Most herbicides come in liquid, power/granules, or gel forms. Herbicides are applied by either spot or broadcast application. If using broadcast application (spreading over a large area) be sure to apply the herbicide in a uniform and consistent manner to avoid chemical buildup.

Apply the proper amount.
Overuse of herbicides increase toxicity risks for you and your family and creates unnecessary waste. There are also studies that overuse of one herbicide can lead to weeds that become resistant. Always follow the application instructions and properly dilute any liquid herbicide before application.

Check the weather before application.
The best weather for herbicide application is a mild, sunny day with temperatures around 65 degrees and little-to-no wind. While the ideal day may not be possible when you need to apply herbicide, the best days are no-wind days to avoid spray drift that could go into areas you don’t want. This is the same with water runoff on a rainy day.

Wear protective equipment.
Protect yourself from chemicals by wearing long pants and shirts, gloves, goggles, and masks while applying herbicide. This will decrease your chance of herbicide exposure. Be sure to wash your clothing, hands, and face well after application to avoid transferring any chemicals.

Look for signs of herbicide exposure.
Never ingest or have prolonged exposure to herbicide chemicals. Symptoms can include skin, eye, or respiratory irritation. Contact your doctor if you are concerned or poison control for emergencies.

Keep away from children and pets.
Keep herbicide chemicals away from children and pets to avoid exposure. Read the product’s instruction label to determine how long to keep pets and children off grass after application. A good rule of thumb is to wait at least until the product dries or 24 hours after, so plan for those puppy potty breaks.

Never mix different chemicals.
It is best to never mix chemicals as this could increase toxicity. However, if you have varying needs in your yard, consult a garden or lawn professional to determine which ones can be used together.

Store and dispose of properly.
Store herbicides in their original packaging with their proper labels. If you have young kids, store chemicals in a locked container. Keep all herbicides out of extreme hot, cold, and damp weather as that can cause them to lose their effectiveness. If you can’t use all of an herbicide, contact your local waste management for proper disposal in your area.