Pesticides are made to get rid of bugging critters. But be careful when handling or storing them because these can cause you harm too. While you may always have the common sense to take care in handling these things, careless storage poses a threat to those other curious creatures in your home - children and pets. Careful storage is a must. Here are some tips on storing them.

• The best place to store these chemicals would be in their respective containers and tightly sealed (to prevent fumes from escaping). It would also be better to have a padlocked cabinet or footlocker as designated storage for these chemicals.
• Always read the label for added pointers on use, handling and storage. Labels may also include first-aid guides in case of skin contact and ingestion.
• Symptoms of pesticide poisoning include headache, nausea, blurred vision, and diarrhea. Just in case an accident happens, follow the suggestions written on the label. Don’t forget to bring the bottle too when you rush to the doctor so that the doctor can identify which remedies will serve best.
• Use protective clothing, overalls, gloves and masks when handling these substances. Always wash with soap and water after handling these chemicals. Scrub you hands up to your elbow for good measure. Always work in a well-ventilated area.
• Clean up all spills with a disposable rag. Wrap the rag in plastic before you throw them away.
• Pesticide manufacturers use warning labels to indicate toxicity levels:
  • Danger - Highly toxic. A teaspoon can kill a human.
  • Warning - Moderately toxic. A tablespoon can send a person to the morgue.
  • Caution - Low toxicity. About a quart or pint of the stuff will kill you. Still, this doesn’t mean that you’d drink the stuff up.