Handling and Storing Pesticides

When preparing or mixing a product wear protective clothing, make sure you are in a well ventilated area, keep children and pets out of the area, and do not mix different products together. When applying pesticides again wear protective clothing and keep children and pets out of the area.

If you are inside, cover utensils and food and remove pet bowls and aquariums from the area. If you are outside avoid windy or rainy days that can transport the pesticides off your property and do not apply pesticides near any water sources.

Never smoke or eat when using pesticides. If you spill pesticides on your clothing, remove them immediately and wash exposed skin, then launder the clothing separate from other laundry.

Always store pesticides where they are out of reach of children. Never store pesticides with food, pet food or medical or cleaning supplies. A cool, dry and well ventilated area is best for storage. Always store pesticides in their original container. For information on disposing of products click here.

If pesticide product gets in your eyes flush them with water for 10-15 minutes and seek medical attention. If you accidentally swallow some product, or feel ill after using a pesticide, seek medical attention immediately and bring the pesticide label with you.

Table 1: Protective Clothing Required for Pesticide Application (Information from WLAP IPM Manual for Home and Garden Pest in BC)

Type of Clothing Notes
Minimum Protection
long-sleeved shirt  
long pants  
shoes and socks  
unlined chemical resistant gloves

Gloves made from neoprene or nitrile offer the best protection. Common household rubber gloves do not provide good protection from some pesticides. Never use leather, cloth, or lined rubber gloves, as these absorb pesticides and cannot be properly cleaned. Wearing contaminated gloves will result in pesticides being absorbed into the skin.
Additional Protection
rubber boots Wear unlined rubber boots if there is a chance that shoes could become wet with pesticide. Pants legs should extend down over the outside of the rubber boots to keep out pesticide.
coveralls Wear coveralls if there is a chance that pants or shirt could become wet with pesticide. Coveralls can be of cloth or the disposable type.
rain suit Rain suits may be necessary while spraying trees or while treating areas outside where there is a risk that wind direction may change and blow spray.
waterproof hat A waterproof, large brimmed hat should be worn if it is necessary to protect hair and face from spray.
goggles Protective goggles should be worn if there is a chance pesticide dust or spray mist may get into the user’s eyes.
respirator Users should wear respirators to protect their lungs if the label precaution states "avoid inhalation" or if there is a risk that pesticide vapours or dusts could be inhaled.

For more information on the safe handling and storage of pesticides, see the WLAP IPM Manual for Home and Garden Pest in BC