IPM : Publications : 1999 Annual Report : Pesticides Safety

1999 Integrated Pest Management Annual Report

Pesticides Survey

In 1996, University of Illinois Extension conducted a survey of 650 retail stores selling pesticides in Illinois.

Retailers were asked about store personnel who make pesticide recommendations, the source and type of training provided, and resources that are used to help customers with pest management decisions. Of the retail stores surveyed, 43 percent identified specific employees who make pesticide recommendations. Only 34 percent of the retail stores surveyed provided any employee training related to pesticide use.

For employees who do receive training, fewer than a third receive information about integrated pest management and the economics of pesticide use. More than three-fourths learn about selecting pesticides, identifying pests, and handling and disposing of pesticides; slightly fewer learn about protective equipment and proper timing of pesticide application.

Man with plant
A majority of pesticide retailers agree—more employees should attend pesticide-handling workshops.

When asked about attending a local educational program on understanding pesticides, safe handling practices, and making recommendations, 83 percent of the retailers indicated they would participate or send an employee.

Partly in response to these findings, a training program was developed and implemented in Knox County by staff from Agriculture and Natural Resources Management and the Extension IPM teams. The Urban Integrated Pest Management and Pesticide Safety Workshop covered weed, insect, and disease identification and management alternatives; understanding pesticide labels; proper use of pesticides; and calibrating homeowner equipment. Pest management–related materials are available through University of Illinois Extension.

Consumers can avoid garden failures by following pesticide recommendations and safe handling practices.

Contacts:

Kyle Cecil, cecilk@mail.aces.uiuc.edu,
Extension

George Czapar, czaparg@mail.aces.uiuc.edu,
Extension

Phil Nixon, p-nixon1@uiuc.edu,
NRES

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