Many families are bugged by pests. Cockroaches, flies, rats, and mice transport disease and can get into food. Roaches and dust mites can make allergies and asthma worse. Fleas and ticks riding into the home on pets or clothing can carry disease. The bites of rats and certain spiders can make children and others very ill.

Pesticides are things like bug spray, pet flea collars, rat poison, bleach, and garden weed killer that prevent and kill pests. Pesticides pose a real danger if you do not use them correctly. Some may cause poisoning, birth defects, nerve damage, and even cancer. They can make allergies or asthma worse. Breathing fumes or dust from pesticide powders and sprays can be harmful. Touching a floor where a pesticide was used can also be dangerous.

Children are especially at risk. When they crawl and play on
floors and lawns, they come into contact with any pesticides
used there. Young children put their hands, toys, and other
things in their mouths. They may have touched pesticides on
the floor or grass. Children may take in more of the small
amount of pesticides on foods than adults because they eat
more of some foods, like apples or carrots.

The biggest danger is poisoning. Children can accidentally poison themselves if they play with, eat, or drink pesticides that are not stored safely.

Teacher Resources

Pesticides in the Home Teachers Guide

PowerPoint Presentation

Pesticides in the Home

Tests

Pesticides in the Home Pre-Test (Word Format)

Pesticides in the Home Post-Test (Word Format)

Video

Streaming Video of the PowerPoint Presentation