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Show Store Pesticides With Care Pesticides need to be stored properly to reduce potential hazards and protect the effectiveness of the product, says Howard Deer, extension pesticide specialist at Utah State University. Deer said garden and agricultural cheamicals should always be stored in their original labeled containers. This practice will help to protect the product and reduce the hazards of mistaking the chemical for something else. Never transfer a pesticide from its original container to beverage bottles, feed bags, open buckets, or other containers, Deer advises. And be careful to protect the label on the original container so the "directions for use" and the "precautionary" statements can be read. As cold weather approaches, home gardeners and farmers using chemicals should be concerned with common chemicals can withstand are as follows: Malathion at 0 deg. F; Roundup and Dladex at 10 deg. F; Diazinon AG 500, Parathion, Spectracide and Lasso at 32 deg. F.; Chemhoe at 35 deg. F; Pydrin at 50 deg. F; and Guthion at 60 deg. F. Most chemicals except Pydrin and Guthion should not deteriorate due to temperature if kept 40 degrees F or higher. Be sure to read the the labels for the temperatures to be avoided and for additional storage information, such as shelf life. Store pesticides out of the reach of children, pets, farm animals, and those not authorized to use the pesticides. A good way to do that is in a dry, locked cupboard, cabinet, storage room, or shed. The storage area should be well lighted and ventilated and away from sources of flame or ignition. Also avoid storing pesticides near water or wells. Deer said pesticides should be stored separately from food, feed, drugs, or other consumable products, including their packaging materials. It's also wise to transport pesticides separately from these items. Protective clothing, such as respirators, gas masks, gloves, and other gear, should not be stored in the same area as pesticides. That way, protective clothing won't be contaminated by them. Always keep the lids on pesticides and make sure they're tightened. Check periodically for leaks or other problems. "Proper storage of pesticides reduces the hazards of the chemicals and protects the value of the product so it can remain effective and the benefits from its use can be realized' Deer said. |