Partly Cloudy Day with Evening Rain Showers Expected – Keep an Eye on Pesticide Storage
AUGUST 9, 2024 – Today’s weather in the city stands out with partly cloudy skies and temperatures peaking at 93°F. Residents can expect light and variable winds throughout the day. However, do take note of the forecasted rain showers this evening, which are predicted to clear overnight. Tonight’s low will be around 72°F, with winds remaining light and variable. There is a 40% chance of rain.
Now, let’s shift focus to a less obvious but significant household issue – pesticide storage. It’s common for households to stash pesticides in a dusty corner of a garage or shed. This month, take some time to clean up and evaluate your pesticide “pantry.” Storing pesticides in extreme temperatures, especially in hot garages or sheds, can alter the chemistry of the product, rendering it ineffective.
Why You Should Care
Extreme temperatures can damage pesticide containers. Plastics can either melt or turn brittle, while moisture and mildew can make labels peel or become unreadable. As a general guide, ensure pesticides are stored at temperatures between 40-90 degrees. Labels can deteriorate due to moisture, and dry pesticide formulations may clump or dissolve under poor storage conditions.
Tips for Safe Storage
- Store pesticides out of reach of children and pets.
- Keep them separate from food and animal feed.
- A ventilated area with a latch or lock is ideal.
- Always store pesticides in their original container.
Never store any pesticide, even temporarily, in a food or drink container. This can be extremely dangerous and has led to accidental ingestion.
Disposal of Unwanted Pesticides
The best practice is to buy only the amount of pesticide you need for a short period. If you find yourself with excess product, consult the label for proper disposal instructions. Manufacturers are often willing to provide further guidelines on disposal. Proper disposal is crucial to protecting our environment.
Each year, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture (SCDA) offers residents the chance to safely dispose of outdated, unusable, or unwanted pesticides. For additional information, you can reach out to SCDA’s John Stokes at jstokes@scda.sc.gov or by calling 803-737-9696. Further details can also be found on their website.
Upcoming Event: Great Southeastern Pollinator Census
We are gearing up for the Great Southeastern Pollinator Census on August 23-24. For those interested in learning how to identify and count pollinators, a session will be held on August 15, from 4-5 p.m. at the Extension office. Check out the online calendar for more information and to register for upcoming events and classes: https://calendar.clemson.edu/.
Should you have any further inquiries or need assistance, contact the Greenwood County horticulture agent for Clemson Cooperative Extension. The Extension office is located at 105 N. University St. and is open Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can reach the office by calling 864-223-3264.
Stay informed and take care of your household needs, including safe pesticide storage and disposal!
