Western Australians are encouraged to limit the quantity of pesticides they keep around the home.

There are a number of tips you can follow to limit the use of or avoid using pesticides altogether. These include:

• Removing shelter for pests, such as clutter and stacked wood against the external walls of your home
• Fixing leaking taps and draining or emptying any stagnant water
• Cleaning up leftover food, such as pet food, dirty barbecues and dishes
• Installing flyscreens on all windows and doors
• Using mosquito netting
• Using fly swats and mouse traps and
• Removing weeds by hand or killing them by pouring very hot water over them

Pesticides should be used sparingly and with caution. They should also be stored well out of reach of children and animals.

If you must use a pesticide, follow these simple tips.

• Buy pesticides appropriate to your needs. If necessary seek expert advice
• Buy only what you need
• Choose products with the lowest toxicity to humans and pets. Products labeled ‘caution’ are less toxic than those labeled ‘poison’
• Always read the label carefully and follow instructions
• Wear protective clothing as recommended on the label
• Dispose of leftover pesticide appropriately — never tip down drains or leave lying around
• In case of poisoning, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26

For more information on the safe use of pesticides refer to the following resources:

• Using pesticides safely (PDF 92KB)
  This fact sheet answers common questions about how you can limit the use of pesticides in the home and how to use pesticides safely.
• Reading and understanding pesticide labels
  This webpage provides you with helpful tips on how to read and understand the labels on pesticide products. It is important that you always read and undertand pesticide labels before use.
• Quick Contacts for the use of Pesticides in WA (PDF 254KB)
  This document includes FAQs, roles of Government agencies that have roles and responsibilities for the safe use of pesticides, and their contact details.
• Organochlorine pesticide residues in home garden soils (PDF 744KB)

Industry and Local Government guides

• A Guide to the Management of Pesticides In Local Government Pest Control Programs in Western Australia (PDF 575 KB)
  Local Government Authorities need to consider many issues before, during and after pest control operations. The aim of this Guide is to assist in the development of a pesticide use policy, based on a number of principles, incorporating community views, underpinned by risk and contract management, plus auditing the outcome of the programs.
• Signage Requirements for Verge Spraying and Public Places (PDF 200KB)
  From the 1st February 2011, it is a requirement under Regulation 88 of the Health (Pesticides) Regulations 2011, that a sign be fixed to a moving vehicle which is involved with the application of a liquid pesticide on a verge or park.
• Guidelines for the safe use of pesticides in non-agricultural workplaces (PDF 550KB)
  These guidelines provide practical guidance on the safe use of pesticides for the protection of human health, by assisting pesticide users to achieve a safe system of work and comply with relevant Commonwealth, state and territory legislation.

Useful Websites

• Australian Environmental Health Pest Management Association (External link) provides guidance on the pest management industry and includes codes of practice for bed bugs, pest management in the food industry, and prior to purchase, timber pest inspections.
• Hazardous chemicals webpage provides guidance on hazardous chemicals; legislation, guidelines and fact sheets.
• Department of Health and Ageing (External link) provides some guidance on hazardous chemicals; legislation with associated fact sheets.