3 ways to be smart online with pesticides
Although buying pesticides online might seem like the easy option, giving you access to thousands of products and enticing discounts at the click of a button, it’s important that you use caution when purchasing these kinds of items on the internet. Doing so comes with its own set of risks and must be approached with care.
Before you head online and start adding items to your baskets, remember that there are many natural alternatives that can work just as effectively to tackle weeds and other pests in your garden, and you should consider these first. However, if you’re set on using a pesticide in your garden, here are three tips on how to be a smart shopper when buying them on the web.
Find a trustworthy seller
Some online marketplaces can be overrun with sellers and there’s always the risk that you could be purchasing a product that is either ineffective, untested or that isn’t legal for use in the UK, which brings with it a whole range of safety concerns. To avoid this, make sure you select a reputable retailer and one that provides full information about the products and their ingredients upfront. You should be able to contact the retailer to ask any questions about the products, and they will ideally have a qualified advisor available to help you make the right choices. You can also check the HSE garden database to see if a product is legal.
2. Select the right product
You will want to make sure that you are getting the correct product for your needs, which can be harder to do online. Check the product label for more details on the target weed, pest or plant disease to make sure it fits with your requirements and take a look at the information on storage and disposal to ensure you understand how to correctly use the product. If in doubt, contact the retailer or the company that produces the pesticide for more advice.
3. Buying what you need
While there might be some discounts for bulk buys, it’s recommended that you only buy what you will need for the year. If you purchase multiple pesticides, you may end up with products that expire or that become withdrawn from sale at a later date, making them illegal to use before you get around to using them. This means you will have the responsibility of correctly disposing of any leftover product.
So, there you have it! Buying pesticides online might be enticing for its ease and competitive prices but it comes with its own hazards. While there are many natural alternatives to consider before buying a pesticide, if you do decide to buy one make sure you are aware of the risks involved and do your due diligence before you buy.
