Mia
There is no situation worse than the sight of weeds in your garden or along with the lawn. Keeping your garden in top condition, devoid of unwanted plants, may take some time, but it’s a worthy endeavor.
Some weeds and grasses are poisonous, which demands taking extra care when clearing them out. But exposure to some types of herbicide can also cause skin diseases such as irritation and burns. There is no “one size fits all” approach to controlling weeds. Perennial weeds or mature weeds with stronger roots may require a particular control system than regular grasses.
Controlling weed requires extensive knowledge about the suitable herbicide and the correct mode of application, which will not be harmful to other valuable plants, the environment, and human beings.
Weeds are unwanted plants that compete for nutrients and space with other valuable plants in the garden. As a farmer or gardener, it is essential to look for the necessary means to get rid of them. However, you must take absolute precautions to ensure your safety in getting rid of them.
There are specifications for applying all types of herbicides for maximum effects on the weeds and grasses. Because of their poisonous nature, some require a license for specific usage. The following tips will ensure you keep weeds and unwanted grasses out of your garden and lawn.
Wear Protective Equipment (PPE)
Ensure to put on protective clothing and other protective equipment as specified in the herbicide you are using. It is essential to put on the prescribed protective gear, like chemical-proof goggles and rubber gloves, especially when dealing with highly poisonous chemicals. A report from the Agricultural Health Study reveals Paraquat exposure can cause Parkinson’s disease and other severe conditions. One is more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease from exposure to paraquat over none usage of hand gloves and other safety equipment. So please protect yourself.
Use An Approved Herbicide Only
It is necessary to use herbicide approved by relevant regulatory agencies in your country. Herbicides that these agencies do not approve of may harm humans, surrounding valuable plants, or surfaces. Some herbicides require getting a special license to use them. Be sure to familiarize yourself with laws and regulations guiding the use of weed control chemicals in your locality.
Store And Handle Herbicide With Care
Before using a herbicide, endeavor to read the instructions on how to handle and store the product. There are different modes of storage for types of chemicals. It is essential to follow the instructions and keep harmful chemicals at safe places, away from the reach of children and exposure to food items.
Do not transfer pesticides from their original container into another one. Please keep them in their specified containers because if it wasn’t fit for storage; the manufacturers wouldn’t have used them. Also, try to arrange them for easy access to minimize spillage on the skin or other body parts.
Avoid Eating Or Drinking While Handling Herbicide
Most herbicides are poisonous and harmful to the human body system. It is essential to avoid eating or drinking while mixing or applying herbicides. Ingesting herbicide can cause nausea, vomiting, disorientation, and other symptoms associated with organochlorine exposure. Ensure to wash your hands carefully with soap and water after use.
In the event of paraquat exposure through ingestion, administer activated charcoal immediately for decontamination. Use of a ventilator or medication is another option in case of exposure through skin contact and inhalation. Contact the nearest hospital directly.
Do Not Spray Under Windy Condition
Applying herbicide under extremely windy conditions can cause drifting (herbicide movement away from the target area or plants). Drifting can also result in herbicide blowing towards the human body and also sensitive plants.
Do not spray in a sustained wind higher than eight (8) mph (miles per hour) and with higher velocity. Nozzles help to reach the target effectively while avoiding drifting as much as possible.
Clean The Pesticide Sprayer After Use
It is essential to clean up the sprayer immediately after use and keep it dry for subsequent use. Clean the spray tank, nozzle, and hose with water and repeat at least three times. Stick to the instructions on the label if the herbicide has a specific cleaning process for its sprayer.
Conclusively, while you’re getting rid of weed and grass, it is imperative to follow laid down rules and guidelines to ensure your safety and that of the environment. Some of these chemicals are harmful and they contain toxic components which can cause incurable diseases to the human body system. Therefore, as it is famously said, “prevention is better than cure.”
