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Pesticides are chemicals designed to kill or harm pests. They include insecticides used for insect control, herbicides used for weed control, fungicides used for fungi and mould control, and rodenticides used for rodent control. Household pests can include insects such as flies, cockroaches and mosquitoes, or rodents like mice or rats.Household pesticides can be purchased from supermarkets or hardware stores, and are designed for householders to use around their home or garden. Although you can easily obtain household pesticides, this does not mean that they are harmless. They are toxic and if used carelessly, they may affect the health of the user, their family, pets or the environment. Choosing pesticidesSuggestions include:
General pesticide safetySuggestions when using pesticides at home include:
Safety suggestions for indoor use of pesticidesWhen you use pesticides indoors you should always:
Safety suggestions for outdoor use of pesticidesWhen you use pesticides outdoors, you should always:
Pesticide toxicitySchedules are used to classify pesticides and to control the availability of a product to the general public. They take into account things like how toxic a substance is, how it will be used and what form it takes (for example, whether it is a liquid or a spray).Pesticides are either unscheduled or they fall under schedules 5, 6 or 7. Each schedule has a warning, which appears in large contrasting lettering on the label.
Pesticides and harm to the environmentSome pesticides, like space sprays, are fast acting. They knock down the pest, then break down quickly. Other pesticides, like surface sprays and termite treatments, linger in the environment for days, weeks or even longer after application.While most pesticides are designed to only affect the target pest, other insects or animals may sometimes be harmed. For example, a bird may be poisoned if it eats a spider killed by insecticide. That’s why it’s important to select pesticides that are designed for the pest you wish to treat, follow the label instructions carefully and use the least amount possible.Alternatives to pesticidesIt is important to consider alternative control methods to pesticide use. The key is to make your house and garden unattractive to pests. Some suggestions include:
Pesticides and your healthPesticides can take the form of a solid, liquid, powder or spray. The form will influence the way in which the pesticide can enter your body and potentially affect your health.Pesticides can enter your body if you:
Pesticide poisoningPoisoning by exposure to pesticides may occur shortly after a single exposure (acute poisoning) or gradually after repeated exposures over a period of time (chronic poisoning).Acute poisoning from pesticidesSymptoms of acute poisoning from pesticides may begin shortly after exposure and may include:
Chronic poisoning from pesticideSymptoms may occur gradually, after repeated exposures over a period of time, and may include:
Risk factors for pesticide poisoningAlthough anyone may be affected by exposure to pesticides, certain groups of people are particularly susceptible including:
Pesticide poisoning – first aidIf you, or anyone in your family, develop symptoms soon after exposure to pesticides, you should:Remember to provide details of the exposure, including the product name if possible.Using a licensed pest control operatorSometimes, you might have a pest problem that is difficult to manage yourself. For these jobs, you should hire a professional licensed pest control operator. Look for a pest control operator who holds a Pest Control Licence. In Victoria, this photo ID licence is issued by the Department of Health and Human Services. You can check the status of a pest control licence .Where to get help
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