In the pursuit of pristine lawns, pest-free patios and flourishing gardens, property owners often turn to pesticide products or pesticide-application services to handle the job professionally and safely. But what happens when the products are not stored properly or the applicator or company cuts corners?

Sergii Zhmurchak/iStock Photo

Across the country, lawsuits have exposed a troubling pattern: pesticide storage and handling failures by commercial applicators causing health hazards, property contamination and even deaths.

While much of the public focus tends to be on the application itself, whether it’s safe, effective or environmentally friendly, there’s another aspect just as critical, yet often overlooked – how pesticides are stored before and after use. A growing number of legal cases suggests that the failure to follow proper storage protocols can turn routine pest control into a disaster waiting to happen.

Commercial complex, chemical crisis
In the Southwest, a pesticide-application firm servicing a mixed-use commercial plaza was sued after a significant leak of pesticide runoff occurred during a routine service visit. The technician had stored several containers of pesticides in the back of a utility closet shared by multiple businesses, including a daycare center.

One of the containers tipped over, releasing an organophosphate compound into the floor drain. From there, it entered the stormwater system, contaminating a nearby pond and killing dozens of fish and aquatic birds. Several children from the daycare were later treated for respiratory irritation and dizziness.

An ensuing lawsuit alleged that the company failed to:

• Properly secure and label pesticide containers.
• Prevent unauthorized access to hazardous chemicals.
• Follow local hazardous-waste containment guidelines.

Though no fatalities occurred, the reputational damage and legal consequences were extensive. The plaza was temporarily closed and cleanup costs were levied against the company, in addition to a civil penalty exceeding $750,000.

The bigger picture: Why storage matters
These cases are not isolated. They reflect a systemic oversight in parts of the pest-control industry – the assumption that if the pesticide isn’t actively being sprayed, it’s not a threat. That assumption couldn’t be more wrong.

Improper storage can lead to:

• Toxic exposure from leaks or fumes.
• Environmental contamination through improper disposal or runoff.
• Legal liability for property damage, illness or loss of life.
• Reputational damage that can cripple a business.

Federal and state laws, including the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and
Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), mandate strict guidelines for pesticide storage. This includes secure, labeled containers, temperature-controlled environments and separation from food, water and human access points. Yet, as these lawsuits reveal, enforcement and adherence often lag behind.

Best practices
Before selecting a storage site, or even if you have one, it’s a good idea to do cycle counts of inventory, ensure you are using open containers before opening another and check to be sure you’re using older product before opening a new container. This is not only best practice for storage, but for your bottom line and inventory control.
A well-designed pesticide storage site:

• Limits access to applicators and building owners.
• Allows for better inventory control and protects others from pesticide exposure.
• Reduces the chance of environmental contamination.
• Prevents damage to pesticide containers and protects pesticides from extreme temperatures and moisture.
• Provides one location for first responders in the event of an emergency.

Posting signs indicating “no smoking” and “authorized access only” are best practice. Limiting employee or other individual access to the pesticide storage area by locking it is advisable. Keep a posting indicating emergency contacts and who to contact if someone spots a problem and no one is around.

More site considerations
Pesticide storage areas should never be in a flood zone. Consider all options before choosing a pesticide storage area, taking into account soil and land surfaces. Even outside a flood zone, flooding may occur at times. Consider using a pallet to lift any pesticides off of the floor, if this is a concern or possibility.

Ensure lighting is adequate and functional at all times. And most important, keep all labels affixed to the containers. The label is the law, but also provides storage guidance.

If you do find you have either unmarked containers, old containers or products that are no longer allowed in your state, contact your local Department of Agriculture and inquire about any programs that help safely remove unused or unknown pesticides. Do not just dispose of something.

In my experience, it was always well received to connect with your local fire chief to ensure you are working to protect them in the event of an emergency as well. They may ask for an emergency plan, labels and safety data sheets (SDS) of pesticides stored, as well as provide guidance for any other safety needs. Don’t be afraid to use your resources! Ignorance is not an excuse!

Conclusion
For pesticide application companies, incidents like the one described earlier in this article offer a clear takeaway; safe storage is not just best practice, it’s a legal and ethical obligation. Cutting corners might save a few minutes or a few dollars, but the consequences can be devastating and long lasting.

In an industry where the wrong decision can lead to illness, environmental harm or lawsuits, it pays – literally and morally – to do things right the first time.

The bottom line is, pesticides are powerful tools, but with great power comes great responsibility (heard this in “Spiderman” movies way too often). Legal cases like the one described earlier stand as stark reminders that ignoring safe storage isn’t just dangerous, it’s criminally negligent.

Next up …
In Part 7 of this series, we’ll look at handling and disposal of old pesticides, pesticide containers missing labels and waste of mixed solutions, plus end-of-application-season to-dos.

Kathy Glassey is a senior consultant with Inspire Green Inc., a Pennsylvania-based company committed to helping tree companies around the country