The pesticide label is a legal document - it is federal law to follow it. Understanding signal words, active ingredients, precautionary statements, first aid, mixing rates, and re-entry intervals can save you money, protect your family, and keep you out of legal trouble. This guide walks through every section.
Every pesticide product - this guide applies universally. Whether you are reading a Roundup label, a Termidor label, or an organic neem oil label, the same EPA-mandated sections appear on every registered pesticide.
This guide applies to all EPA-registered pesticide products. Reference your specific product label for exact rates and restrictions.
The 10 sections of every pesticide label:
1. Product Name and Brand: The marketing name. Multiple products can contain the same active ingredient under different brand names. Always compare active ingredients, not brand names, when shopping.
2. Active Ingredient(s): The chemical(s) that actually kill or repel the pest. Listed by chemical name and percentage. This is the most important information on the label. Example: Bifenthrin 7.9% means 7.9% of the product by weight is bifenthrin.
3. Signal Word: Tells you how acutely toxic the product is. There are four levels:
| Signal Word | Toxicity | Lethal Oral Dose (150 lb adult) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| DANGER / POISON (skull) | Category I - Highest | A few drops to 1 teaspoon | Extremely toxic |
| WARNING | Category II | 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon | Moderately toxic |
| CAUTION | Category III-IV | 1 ounce to 1 pint | Slightly to practically non-toxic |
| (none) | Category IV | More than 1 pint | Practically non-toxic |
4. Precautionary Statements: Hazards to humans, domestic animals, and the environment. Tells you what PPE (personal protective equipment) to wear. Common requirements include gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and sometimes a respirator.
5. First Aid / Statement of Practical Treatment: What to do if someone is exposed. Always have this information accessible during application. The four exposure routes: eyes, skin, ingestion, inhalation. Each has specific first aid instructions.
6. Directions for Use: The legal instructions for application. Includes: target pests, application sites, mixing rates, application frequency, re-entry intervals (REI), pre-harvest intervals (PHI), and maximum annual application rates. Follow these EXACTLY.
7. Mixing Rate / Dilution Table: How much product to mix per gallon of water. Rates are typically given per 1,000 sq ft or per gallon. Using more than the labeled rate is illegal and does not improve effectiveness - it just wastes money and increases risk.
8. Storage and Disposal: How to store the product safely and how to dispose of unused product and containers. Never pour pesticides down drains or into waterways. Triple-rinse containers before recycling where allowed.
9. EPA Registration Number: Every legally sold pesticide has a unique EPA Reg. No. This number allows you to look up the complete product information in the EPA database. If a product does not have an EPA registration number, it is either 25(b) exempt (minimum risk) or illegally marketed.
10. Manufacturer Information: Company name, address, and emergency phone number. Call this number for technical questions about the product or for emergency exposure guidance.
The golden rule: When in doubt, read the label. Then read it again. The label has the answer to virtually every question about how to safely and legally use the product. If the label does not cover your specific situation, contact the manufacturer or your state extension service before applying.