Homeowner's Guide to Pesticide Use
Terminology
Broad Spectrum - Non-selectively targets all vegetation
Selective - Targets specific plants based on the chemical (active ingredient)
Systemic - Taken up through the leaves of the plant and translocated to the root system
Contact - Does not move into or effect any other part of the plant besides location of contact
Post-Emergent - Plant has germinated or begun growing
Pre-Emergent - Before germination takes place
Restricted Use VS. General Use Pesticides
Restricted use Pesticides (RUPs)
Are not available for purchase or use by the general public
Have the potential to cause unreasonable adverse effects to the environment and injury to applicators without added restrictions
The "Restricted Use" classification restricts a product and uses to use by a certified applicator or someone under the certified applicator's direct supervision.
General Use Pesticides
Can be purchased and used by the general public
Does not require a license to use on own property
Reading the Product Label
Product Label
Includes all approved uses
% Active Ingredient
& Additional Ingredients
Signal Word & Graphics
Distributor Label
Product Name
Distributor Name & Address
EPA Establishment #
EPA Registration #
Product Claims
Warranty Statement
Knowing Which Herbicide To Use
Herbicides are among the most effective and resource-efficient tools to treat invasive species
Glyphosate:
Non-selective: will kill all plants it contacts
Broad spectrum herbicide that can be used on broadleaf, grasses, and sedges
Contact herbicide
Pre- and Post-Emergent
Aquatic variations: Aquatic Safe Glyphosate can be purchased
*Remember to read the label to ensure it is aquatic-safe
Considerations
Will not prevent new or future growth in treated areas
Quick acting
Reentry in treated area once application dries ( 4 - 6 hours), but recommended 24 hours
Triclopyr:
Selective: does not kill monocots (grasses and grass-like flowering plants)
Used for woody or broad-leaf species
Systemic Herbicide
Post Emergent
Aquatic variations: Aquatic Safe Triclopyr can be purchased
*Remember to read the label as this can still be toxic to certain wildlife
Considerations
Slow acting
Reentry in treated area once application dries (4 - 6 hours), but recommended 24 hours
Better used for Woody-plants
Using Herbicides to Manage Invasive Species
When to use Herbicides
Post emergent foliar applications of herbicide are most effective during the late summer until first frost.
Cut stump herbicide applications are most effective from late summer to late winter
What To Do After Handling Pesticide
1. Store pesticides according to label instructions. If possible, place pesticide bottles in a plastic container to reduce the risk of spills
2. Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water after handling to avoid contamination and exposure
3. Wash clothing used during application separately from household wash
4. Avoid and Prevent re-entry into application area until product fully dries and drift settles