What's in a label?

Many garden center professionals would agree that consumers find reading and understanding product labels to be the most difficult aspect of applying pesticides safely. That’s why it is essential to have in-depth knowledge of the label information before making recommendations to customers.

 

A pesticide label is considered a legal document that must be followed to the letter. But it’s also a useful tool to help customers achieve optimal results with a minimum of risk. Clearly communicating how important it is to read and follow the label ensures that customers purchase the right product and use it safely to achieve the desired results. This translates into satisfied, repeat customers.

Let’s review the different parts of a pesticide label.

Main label

Brand name: Different names are used by different manufacturers even though their products may contain the same active ingredient. The brand name is used to advertise and market the product.

Formulation: Identifies the way the pesticide in that container is mixed for application. It notes whether the product is a ready-to-spray, concentrate, granules or other.

Product type: Indicates whether it is an insecticide, fungicide, herbicide or fertilizer. Specific examples include “kills aphids and controls broadleaf weeds.”

Net contents: Indicates the amount of product a full container holds.

Signal words: Reflect the potential toxicity if product is used incorrectly. The signal word “danger” means the product can be highly toxic. Warning means moderately toxic. Caution means slightly toxic.

Precautionary statements and product information

Hazards to humans and domestic animals: Notes the potential hazards to people and pets, and actions that can be taken to reduce those hazards, such as wearing gloves. These statements may also provide extra information on protecting children and pets.

 

Environmental hazards: Outlines the product’s potential to harm wildlife, fish, endangered plants and animals, wetlands or water. It also describes ways to avoid environmental exposure. Physical and chemical hazards: Explains the fire, explosive or chemical hazards the product may pose.

First aid: States exposure conditions requiring medical attention and the protocol if someone is poisoned by the product. If this happens, always call a doctor or the National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) for further assistance. Have the label available when calling or visiting a doctor. It includes specific instructions and information the physician will need.

EPA registration number: Verifies that the Environmental Protection Agency has reviewed the product and found it can be used without risk when the directions on the label are followed properly.

Ingredients and names

Ingredient statement: Lists which materials are included in the product, specifically the names and amounts of the active ingredients. Active ingredients are the chemicals responsible for controlling the pests. They are listed by common name and/or chemical name and the percentage in the product. Inert ingredients are other ingredients in the product that do not control pests but serve other purposes, such as dissolving the active ingredients or affecting how the product works. They are not listed specifically on the label.

Chemical name: A complex name used by chemists to describe the chemical structure. It may or may not be listed.

Common name: A simpler name than the chemical name. For example, the common name for the pyrethroid cyano (4-fluoro-3-phenoxyphenyl)-methyl 3-(2,2-dichloroethenyl)-2,2-dimethylcyclopropanecarboxylate is beta-cyfluthrin.

Directions for use

This portion of the pesticide label shows how to properly use the product to achieve the best results without causing physical harm to the user, others or the environment. It specifies which pests the product is registered to control and where the product can be used.

The directions for use also explain how to apply the product, how much to use, and when and how often to use it. Other important information found here includes intervals to harvest, or how soon a crop can be used or eaten after the product has been applied. Additionally, the label will state if there is a re-entry period, or the time that must pass before people and animals can re-enter a treated area.

 

For best results

This section provides ways to optimize the product. For example: pull back mulch; water in a half inch of water, etc.

Storage and disposal

This section describes the best methods for storing the product and what users are to do with unused product and containers.

In addition to understanding a pesticide label, customers need to know that both the pest to be controlled and the plant to be treated must be indicated on the label to use it legally and achieve the best results. Additionally, customers need to know where the product can be applied. The label will state whether it is for outdoor or indoor use.

Customers should know that using more product than stated on the label does not provide better control and that proper timing and application methods are critical to success.

A pesticide label is your best sales tool. It provides the information necessary to answer customer questions about application, safety, storage and disposal. Sales representatives who understand and refer to it are knowledgeable advisors and increase the chances of a satisfied customer.

Lance Walheim is a Bayer Advanced garden expert.