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– With the summer months approaching, pesky insects such as flies, ticks and mosquitoes will soon begin making appearances. The pesticides used to protect against these pests should be used with caution. Careful use of pesticides during the summer months can be an important health safety issue, according to officials at the Oklahoma Poison Control Center.
“Some pesticides are more dangerous than others, but all pesticides should be used only as directed and all safety procedures should be followed. Choose the least-toxic pesticide that will get rid of the insects,” said Lee McGoodwin, managing director of the Oklahoma Poison Control Center. According to McGoodwin, pyrethrin or pyrethroid type pesticides like permethrin, resmethrin and deltamethrin are safer than other types of pesticides, such as carbaryl and malathion; however, these products still need to be stored in a locked cabinet, as small children may have more serious reactions.
People who have problems with pyrethrins generally only have minor allergic symptoms such as a rash, sneezing or scratchy throat.
In addition to pesticides used on the lawn, other common household pesticides include:
• cockroach sprays and baits
• wasp sprays
• swimming pool chemicals, including those that kill algae
• personal insect repellents
• termite products
• rat and mice bait
• flea and tick sprays, including powders and pet collars
• products that kill mold and mildew
• and repellents that keep deer, raccoons and rabbits away from the garden.
When using pesticides, read and follow all manufacturers’ directions on the label, including those for mixing and application. It also is possible to reduce the risk of poisoning by following the simple safety precautions listed below:
• Store pesticides and other household chemicals in a locked cabinet, out of the sight and reach of children.
• When mixing or spraying a pesticide, wear protective clothing such as gloves, a
long-sleeved shirt, long pants, rubber footwear, goggles and a hat.
• Before spraying a pesticide, remove children and pets from the area.
• If while spraying you are interrupted by a visitor or the telephone, close the pesticide container and remove it from the reach of children.
• Do not allow people or pets to enter the treated area before the time period directed on the label.
• Do not spray the pesticide on a windy day (above 10 miles per hour).
• Keep the pesticide in its original container.
• Clean all equipment thoroughly.
The Oklahoma Poison Control Center web site is provided free of charge to the public as an informational and educational tool. This web site is NOT intended as a substitute for a consultation with the Oklahoma Poison Control Center. The center is a statewide program operated by The University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy in cooperation with Children's Hospital at the OU Medical Center. Our pharmacists and nurses are specially trained poison experts available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.