An open pesticide container under the kitchen sink, a bottle left in a car in the sun, or a product poured into a water bottle: these common scenes sit behind poisoning incidents, spoiled products and storeroom fires. Safe storage does not need expensive equipment, but it does need firm rules.
This guide explains what a suitable place for storing pesticides at home and on the farm looks like, how to arrange containers, what to do in a spill, and how to deal with empty and expired containers.
First rule: keep the pesticide in its original, closed container, away from children, animals and food.
Common mistake: storing pesticides in the kitchen, under the sink or in a water or drink bottle.
Right place: dry, shaded, well ventilated and locked.
Note: never store pesticides with fertilisers, animal feed or food.
Why does correct storage matter?
- Safety: it keeps children, animals and untrained workers away from the product
- Effectiveness: high heat, humidity and freezing can spoil the formulation and weaken its effect
- Preventing contamination: a leak near food or feed can cause dangerous contamination
- Fire safety: some formulations are flammable and need a place away from heat and sparks
What a pesticide store should look like
- A store or cabinet used for pesticides only, locked with a key
- A dry place away from humidity, rain water and washing water
- Away from direct sunlight and high heat
- Good ventilation so vapours do not build up
- A floor that does not absorb liquids and is easy to clean
- A clear warning sign on the door
- Away from water sources, wells and drains
How to arrange the containers
- Keep the label: it must stay visible and intact on every container
- Liquids at the bottom: put liquids on lower shelves and powders and granules above, so a leak never drips onto a dry product
- Separate by type: do not mix herbicides with insecticides and fungicides, to avoid contaminating tools and containers
- Record dates: write the purchase date and the date a container was opened, and use the oldest first
- Close containers well: make sure the cap is tight after every use
Storage in hot summers
High heat is one of the biggest causes of spoiled formulations. Do not leave pesticides in a car, on a roof or in a metal store exposed to the sun. Check the label for the suitable storage temperature range, as some products do not tolerate high heat and others do not tolerate freezing.
Storing pesticides at home
- Use a high, locked cabinet out of reach of children and pets
- Never put them in the kitchen or near food or eating utensils
- Never pour the product into another container for any reason
- Do not store large quantities; buy only what you need
- Keep the original container and label so anyone knows what is inside
What to do in a spill
- Move away, ventilate the area well and keep children and animals out
- Wear gloves and the protective equipment listed on the label
- Soak up the liquid with a dry absorbent such as sand, soil or sawdust
- Collect the contaminated material in a sealed bag or container
- Clean the area and avoid flooding it with water so the product does not reach drains
- Wash your hands and clothes thoroughly afterwards
Empty containers and expired pesticides
- Never reuse empty containers for any purpose, especially water or food
- Rinse an empty container as the label directs and pour the rinse water into the spray tank
- Do not throw expired pesticide or containers into drains, onto the ground or in ordinary household waste
- Contact the competent municipal authorities to learn the safe disposal method in your area
Before storing any product, read its label carefully, because it sets the storage conditions for that formulation. For details see How to Read a Pesticide Label. And if you are looking for safe sprayers that are easy to clean, visit an Orkida branch and we will show you what suits your farm.
Frequently asked questions about storing pesticides
How long is a pesticide good for?
It is read from the label and depends on container condition and storage. Storing in heat or humidity shortens the life of the product.
Can I pour the pesticide into a smaller bottle for easier carrying?
No. Stay with the original container, because transferring it loses the label information and can lead to mistaken use.
Can a pesticide be stored in the fridge?
No. Never put pesticides in a food fridge or near food.
What if the product’s texture changes or it separates?
Check the label and do not use it if the colour or texture changes or unusual sediment appears. Visit one of our branches with the container and we will check it with you.