Pesticides with care

Using pesticides with care

Every pesticide carries some risk. That includes bug sprays, baits, foggers, and yard products from the store. How much risk depends on the product, how much you use, and who gets exposed. The label tells you how to keep that risk low. This page explains how to read it and what else to do.

In an emergency #

For questions that aren't an emergency, the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) answers questions about pesticides at 1-800-858-7378, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon Pacific time (10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central), except holidays. NPIC cut its hours in 2026, so check the NPIC website before you call.

The label is the law #

Pesticide labels are legal documents. Federal law makes it a violation to use a product in a way that doesn't match its label. The label tells you which pests the product is for, where you can use it, how much to use, and how to protect people and pets.

The EPA's advice: read the label before you buy, before you mix or use the product, and before you store or throw it away. Every time. Don't trust your memory, since labels can change.

What to look for on the label #

• The pest and the place. Make sure the label lists your pest and where you plan to use it, like indoors, outdoors, or on pets. A product made only for termites shouldn't be used on fleas.
• EPA registration number. This shows the EPA reviewed the product. It is not a stamp of approval. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) consumer information sheet says EPA registration is not a finding of product safety.
• Signal word. Most labels have one of three words that tell you how harmful the product can be:
  • CAUTION: the least harmful of the three
  • WARNING: more harmful than CAUTION
  • DANGER: highly poisonous or corrosive; can badly burn skin and eyes
• Precautions. What to wear, and how to keep children and pets away.
• Directions for use. How much, how often, and where.
• First aid. What to do right away if someone is exposed. First aid is only a first step. Always call Poison Help or a doctor too.
• Storage and disposal. How to keep it and how to get rid of it.

Before and while you use it #

Baits and traps #

• Put insect baits and rodent baits where children and pets can't reach them.
• Rodent poisons sold to consumers must come in ready-to-use bait stations, under EPA rules. Use them only as the label says.
• If a child may have touched or eaten rodent bait, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222 right away, even if the child seems fine. If a pet may have eaten bait, or a rodent that ate bait, call your vet or an emergency animal clinic right away. Keep the package so you can read them the label.

Foggers (bug bombs) #

• Foggers often don't reach the cracks where roaches and bed bugs hide.
• Fogger spray can catch fire if it reaches a flame or spark. Before you set one off, turn off pilot lights and appliances that switch on and off by themselves, as the label directs. If you need help turning off a pilot light, the EPA suggests calling your gas utility or property manager.
• Keep foggers at least 6 feet from flames, pilot lights, and appliances like stoves, ovens, water heaters, space heaters, and air conditioners.
• Don't use them in small, closed spaces like closets or cabinets, or under tables and counters.
• Use no more than one fogger per room, and only the size the label says fits the room.
• Leave, take your pets with you, and stay out for as long as the label says (often 2 to 4 hours). When you come back, open doors and windows to air the room out.

Never do these #

Storing pesticides #

Getting rid of pesticides #

• The best way to get rid of a small amount is to use it up as the label directs, or give it to someone who can use it.
• Ask your city or county about household hazardous waste collection.
• Never pour pesticides down the sink, toilet, or a storm drain.
• An empty container can still be hazardous. Don't reuse it. Follow the label for disposal. Don't puncture or burn aerosol cans.

If you hire a company #

• Ask to see the label or safety data sheet for each product.
• Tell them about babies, pregnancy, allergies, asthma, pets, fish tanks, and any vegetable garden.
• Ask how long people and pets should stay out of treated areas.
• For an indoor treatment at a private home, Texas requires the applicator to make a TDA consumer information sheet available to the owner before each treatment.
• In apartment complexes with five or more units, residents in or near a planned indoor treatment area must get notice at least 48 hours ahead. The notice can be a posted sign or a sheet left at each unit. Emergency treatments can be an exception.

Be wary of these claims #

Report a problem #

• Health emergency: Poison Help, 1-800-222-1222, or 911.
• Misuse of a pesticide, or a pest control company that broke the rules: TDA's Structural Pest Control Service, 866-918-4481 or [email protected].
• General pesticide questions: NPIC, 1-800-858-7378 (weekdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central).

For more on hiring help, see How to find a licensed company and check the license.

Photo: "Checking door sweep for gaps" by Cornell IPM (New York State Integrated Pest Management), CC BY 2.0, via Flickr. Cropped. All photo credits