“Do I Really Have to Read All This?”

You might have noticed that most of the time when I write something about using a pesticide I

will make a comment on the importance of reading and following the label. However, if you’ve ever

tried to read one of these labels, you may have been shocked and intimidated by the amount of

information it contains.

Pesticide product labels provide critical information about how to safely and legally handle and

use pesticide products. Unlike most other types of product labels, pesticide labels are legally

enforceable, and all of them carry the statement: “It is a violation of Federal law to use this product in a

manner inconsistent with its labeling.” In other words, the label is the law.

This means that yes, you are legally required to read and follow what the label says. That

doesn’t mean though that every word on the label applies to you. For instance, if I’m spraying bifenthrin

around my garage to control insects, I can probably skip the sections about spraying in a greenhouse or

poultry house.

Having said that, the label does have some very important and useful information. By law it

must have the name of the product along with the active ingredient. It will also indicate in general terms

what the product will control. For instance language might read “herbicide for the control of woody

brush and weeds” or “insecticide for control of certain insects on fruits, nuts, and ornamentals.”

Signal words such as “danger poison,” “warning,” or “caution” can also be found which indicate

the relative acute toxicity of the product to humans and animals. If two products will control the same

pest, signal words can help you choose the least toxic chemical to control the pest. The label will also

describe potential hazards to humans and pets and how to reduce those hazards.

Perhaps the most important part of the pesticide label is the “Directions for Use” section. This

section on the label tells you how to properly use a product to get the best results without harming

yourself, others, and the environment. Here you will find the answer to questions such as what, when,

where, and how. For example, a fungicide label will tell you what crops are allowed to be sprayed at

what rate, when the optimum time to spray will be, where the product can be used, and how to apply

the product.

Finally, the “Storage and Disposal” portion of the label explains how to best store the product

and what to do with the unused portion of the product and the empty container. Most of the time this

information will include things like keeping products in original containers, out of the reach of children,

and in a locked storage area.

Labels are legal documents providing directions on how to mix, apply, store, and dispose of a

pesticide product. This means using a pesticide in a manner inconsistent with its labeling is a violation of

federal law. If you need to apply a pesticide, you need to read and follow what’s on the label. For more

information on pesticide safety, contact UT Extension at 615-735-2900, or find us online at

smith.tennessee.edu.