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Pesticides
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Poisoning Toxicology Environmental Health

Pesticides

While pesticides are effective tools for controlling pests, they require careful handling to protect human health and the environment.

Overview

Pests live where they are not wanted or cause harm to crops, people, or animals. Pesticides can help get rid of them. Pesticides are not just insect killers; they also include chemicals to control weeds, rodents, mildew, germs, and more. Many household products contain pesticides.

Safety and Usage

Pesticides can protect your health by killing germs, animals, or plants that could hurt you. However, they can also be harmful to people or pets. To manage risks, consider the following:

  • Try non-chemical methods first.
  • If you do need a pesticide, use it correctly.
  • Be especially careful around children and pets.
  • Proper disposal of pesticides is important to help protect the environment.

Alternatives

Biologically-based pesticides are becoming more popular. They often are safer than traditional pesticides.

Environmental Protection Agency

Frequently Asked Questions

lways read and follow the label directions carefully. Store pesticides in their original containers in a locked cabinet or out of reach of children and pets. Apply pesticides when children and pets are not present, and ensure the area is dry and well-ventilated before allowing them to return.
Before using chemical pesticides, consider methods like sealing cracks and holes in your home, keeping food stored in airtight containers, regularly cleaning up crumbs and spills, using traps for rodents or insects, and removing standing water to prevent mosquito breeding.
Never pour pesticides down the drain, into storm sewers, or onto the ground. Check with your local waste management facility or hazardous waste collection program for specific instructions on how to safely dispose of unused or expired pesticides in your community.
Many common household products, such as disinfectants, insect repellents, and some cleaning sprays, contain pesticides. Look for an EPA registration number on the product label, which indicates it is regulated as a pesticide, and always read the active ingredients list.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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