Thursday, June 19, 2014

Pesticide spraying in wind

We can't see the face, but we know right away they didn't read the label because they did not wear a long sleeve shirt and rubber gloves, so this person is breaking the law and exposing themselves to chemicals.

The other issue is how much wind are they dealing with?

Wind and pesticides are a serious problem.

Wind drift will kill off-target plants, and if this is over a neighbors property line, you are now chemically trespassing which is a liable offense. If their tree dies, you will be in court paying for that tree.

So how much is too much wind when spraying chemicals. Professionals, and most labels in most states, have 10mph as the cut off point. This is not the average but the maximum gusts. You need to check your local law to know for sure.

wind and sprayIf a farmer or a professional sprays in wind over the label or state recommendation, they are liable for a fine from the department of agriculture and the EPA.

I know; you see it all the time, it's only because there is not enough enforcement to stop them. You have the right to call these organizations if you see the law being broken and they will investigate. The professional has to keep a log of when they sprayed and at which time, if they are honest on that log, it is all recorded. If they are not honest on that log, it's another serious fine.

The home owner needs to be just as careful when they have a DIY spray job to do. Many phone apps will tell you what the nearest weather station is saying for wind. If you are in doubt, don't spray. Home owners kill more of their own plants every year than all the professional sprayers in the world.

The problem is that often there is no wind when you start and a gust comes up unexpectedly. Ways to avoid this is to spray early in the morning when the ground is the same temperature as the air so there is less chance of wind. Watch out for mini-wind tunnels between houses and at the corner of the house. Go around that corner first and see if you feel any wind on your face, before pulling the trigger.

There are devices that apply chemical without spraying. The Dept of Ag has not really given a ruling in many states on these devices, so check with your local office if it is okay to use it in windy conditions.

The device pictured is called the Red Wand and it has a cloth that soaks with the herbicide so you can wipe in on the plant.

A old farmer trick is to use an old oil funnel cone over the end of the spray wand so you cover the entire plant with the cone and the wind can't affect it, but again, ask your local office if this qualifies to be used in windy conditions.

Wind is a real pain when spraying out doors, but don't ignore it and think you'll get away without doing damage.

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Organic Pest Control

aphids on leaf
Organic Pest Control has become a very big buzz word on the internet with everything from hot water to egg shells as the cure all for weed or pest control. Does organic pest control really work? The answer is yes. However there are often issues that the person claiming to have all the answers don't include.

Such as hot scalding water to kill weeds in your garden. Yes it will work but there will be new weeds the next week in the same location.

The truth about organic pest control is it will work to some degree and you need to decide what your tolerance level is for pests and effort. You will spend a lot more time doing pest control but you will not have any chemicals on your property.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a term for trying to use as little chemical as possible but still create a threshold level where you decide chemical is necessary. Then changing environmental situations to try and reduce or even eliminate the need for chemicals in the future. This is the real world for most of us. I have never met anyone who really wanted to use chemicals. They just didn't know there was an option.

So explore all the organic options and test them first if you have the time and only use chemical means when absolutely necessary.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

PROTECT yourself from chemicals

spraying without safety equipment
This is what I often see Home Owners doing when out spraying chemicals. This guy at least has glasses on but his dermal exposure risk is severe.

Read the label and always wear vinyl gloves, glasses, long sleeve shirt, rubber boots, covering yourself from any residual contact. Then remove that clothing and wash it double rinse in a load without any of your other clothes to insure no residual gets in contact.

Do this ANY time you are using chemicals, spider barrier, weed control, it doesn't matter, the applicator is at the most risk.

If you are using concentrates, increase that level of protection ten fold. This is where you can really get hurt and you need to be aware.

Licensed applicators face severe fines if they do not wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to insure they will not face cancer and other side effects at a later date. If you are going to use professional grade pesticides you need to treat it as a professional for you safety and the safety of your family.