summer safety

Safe Pesticide Use: Protecting Children, Pets, and Your Home

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A yellow yard sign warning kids and pets of recent pesticide spraying

Pesticides can help control insects, weeds, rodents, and other unwanted pests, but they must be handled carefully. Common household products—including insect sprays, weed killers, rodent baits, and flea-and-tick treatments—can cause harm when they are used incorrectly, stored improperly, or left where children and animals can reach them.

Following the product label and taking a few basic precautions can reduce the risk of accidental exposure while helping the pesticide work as intended.

Read the Label Before Every Use

The pesticide label provides important instructions for using the product safely and effectively. Even if you have used a similar product before, read the entire label because ingredients, concentrations, application methods, and precautions may differ.

The label explains:

  • Where and how the product may be used
  • How much product to apply
  • What protective clothing or equipment may be needed
  • How long should children and pets remain away from a treated area
  • How to store and dispose of the product
  • What first-aid steps to take after an exposure

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency emphasizes that reading the label is the first step toward choosing and using pesticides safely. Applying more pesticide than recommended does not make the product more effective. It can increase health risks, damage plants or property, and allow chemicals to spread beyond the intended area.

Never mix pesticide products unless the label specifically instructs you to do so.

Keep Children Away from Pesticides

Children may be more likely to come into contact with pesticides because they frequently play on floors, lawns, and other treated surfaces and often place their hands or objects in their mouths.

Before applying a pesticide indoors or outdoors:

  • Remove children, toys, bottles, and play equipment from the area.
  • Cover or put away food, dishes, and cooking utensils.
  • Keep children away for the amount of time specified on the label.
  • Make sure treated surfaces are fully dry before allowing children to return.
  • Have children wash their hands after playing outdoors and before eating.

Pesticides should never be left unattended while open or in use. If you are interrupted, close the container and return it to a secure location. The EPA provides additional guidance on how to reduce a child’s chances of pesticide poisoning.

Rodent, ant, and slug baits should be placed only in locations permitted by the label and where children cannot access them. When possible, use secured or tamper-resistant bait stations.

Protect Pets During and After Application

Pets can be exposed to pesticides by walking across treated surfaces, licking their paws, eating bait, drinking contaminated water or coming into contact with pesticide containers.

Remove pets, food bowls, water bowls, bedding, and toys before treating an area. Keep animals away until the pesticide has dried or for the full amount of time stated on the label. The National Pesticide Information Center offers additional advice for protecting pets when using pesticides in and around the home.

Pet owners should also use flea-and-tick products carefully. A product labeled for one type of animal may be dangerous to another. Never use a product intended for dogs on a cat unless the label specifically states that it is safe. Choose a product intended for the animal’s species, age, and weight, and apply only the recommended amount. Review the EPA’s guidance on safely controlling fleas and ticks on pets, and consult a veterinarian with questions.

Store Pesticides Securely

Safe storage is one of the most effective ways to prevent accidental poisoning. Store pesticides:

  • In their original, labeled containers
  • Tightly closed after every use
  • In a locked cabinet, shed, or storage area
  • Out of the sight and reach of children and pets
  • Away from food, drinks, animal feed, and medications
  • Away from heat, flames, moisture and freezing temperatures

Never transfer a pesticide into a cup, water bottle, food container, or unmarked spray bottle. Someone could mistake it for something safe to eat or drink, and the product’s instructions, ingredients, and first-aid information would no longer be available.

Purchase only the amount you expect to use so that unnecessary chemicals do not accumulate in your home. More information is available through the EPA’s guide to storing pesticides safely.

Use Prevention as the First Line of Defense

Not every pest problem requires a chemical treatment. Integrated pest management focuses first on removing the food, water and shelter that attract pests.

Preventive measures include:

  • Sealing cracks and openings
  • Repairing damaged window and door screens
  • Fixing plumbing leaks
  • Storing food in sealed containers
  • Cleaning up crumbs and spills
  • Removing standing water
  • Keeping trash containers securely covered
  • Maintaining lawns and vegetation around the home

When pesticide use is still necessary, select a product specifically labeled for the pest and location involved. The EPA’s integrated pest management principles explain how prevention and targeted treatment can reduce unnecessary pesticide use.

Dispose of Pesticides Properly

Never pour leftover pesticides down a sink, into a toilet, into a storm drain, or onto the ground. Follow all disposal instructions on the product label.

Connecticut residents may be able to bring unwanted household pesticides to a local household hazardous waste collection. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection provides information about household hazardous waste programs and collection options.

Additional instructions are available in the EPA’s guide to the safe disposal of pesticides.

Know What to Do After an Exposure

If a pesticide is swallowed, inhaled, spilled on the skin or splashed into the eyes, check the product label immediately for first-aid instructions. Do not induce vomiting unless the label or a medical professional instructs you to do so.

Contact Poison Control online or by calling 1-800-222-1222 for free, confidential guidance. Call 911 immediately if the person is unconscious, having a seizure or experiencing difficulty breathing.

Keep the pesticide container or label nearby so you can provide the product name, ingredients, and EPA registration number. For a possible pet exposure, contact a veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic promptly.

Pesticides should always be treated as potentially hazardous household products. Reading the label, storing products securely, and keeping children and pets away from treated areas can help prevent avoidable exposures.

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Prevent Mosquito Bites: Remove Standing Water and Use Repellent

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Man applying insect repellent on his arm

Warm weather brings more opportunities to spend time outdoors—and more exposure to mosquitoes. While most mosquito bites cause only temporary itching and irritation, mosquitoes can also spread illnesses. In Connecticut, mosquito-borne diseases of concern include West Nile virus and eastern equine encephalitis.

The best protection is prevention. According to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, reducing mosquito breeding areas and protecting yourself from bites can lower your risk.

Eliminate Standing Water Around Your Home

Mosquitoes lay their eggs near water. Even a small amount of standing water can become a breeding site, so one of the most effective ways to reduce mosquitoes around your home is to regularly empty, clean, cover, or remove items that collect water.

At least once a week, check your property for water collecting in:

  • Buckets, watering cans, and wheelbarrows
  • Flowerpot saucers and planters
  • Children’s toys and wading pools
  • Birdbaths and pet water bowls
  • Tarps, pool covers, and outdoor furniture
  • Clogged gutters and drains
  • Trash cans and recycling bins
  • Tires and other containers that are stored outdoors

Empty and scrub containers before refilling them because mosquito eggs can remain attached to their sides. Keep swimming pools properly maintained and circulating, and tightly cover rain barrels and other water-storage containers.

Visit the CDC’s mosquito control guidance for additional steps you can take inside and outside your home.

Use an Effective Insect Repellent

When spending time outdoors, use an insect repellent registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA-registered repellents have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness when used according to the product label.

Effective active ingredients may include:

  • DEET
  • Picaridin
  • IR3535
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus
  • Para-menthane-diol
  • 2-undecanone

The EPA’s online repellent search tool can help you choose a product based on the insects you need protection from and the amount of time you plan to spend outdoors.

Always read and follow the product label. Apply repellent only to exposed skin or clothing, as directed. Do not spray repellent directly onto your face. Spray it onto your hands first, then carefully apply it while avoiding your eyes and mouth.

Adults should apply repellent to children and avoid applying it to their hands, eyes, mouth, or irritated skin. Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol should not be used on children younger than 3 years old.

More information about choosing and safely applying repellent is available from the CDC’s mosquito-bite prevention resources.

Create Additional Barriers Against Bites

Mosquitoes can bite during both the day and night. When mosquito activity is high:

  • Wear loose-fitting long sleeves, long pants, and socks when practical.
  • Repair holes in window and door screens.
  • Keep doors closed or use air conditioning when available.
  • Use mosquito netting to protect infants or when sleeping outdoors.
  • Follow local mosquito activity and public-health advisories.

Information about mosquito-borne illnesses and prevention in Connecticut is available through the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Residents can also learn more about West Nile virus in Connecticut.

A quick weekly inspection of your property, combined with proper use of insect repellent, can help reduce mosquito activity and make outdoor activities safer and more comfortable throughout the season.

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Sun Safety: Protect Your Skin and Know the Warning Signs of Heat Illness

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Mother applying sunscreen to child

Warm, sunny days are a welcome part of summer in Connecticut, but too much sun and heat can quickly become dangerous. Whether you are spending time at the beach, working outdoors, attending a community event, or enjoying your own backyard, taking sun safety seriously can help prevent sunburn, heat-related illness, and long-term skin damage.

Ultraviolet, or UV, rays from the sun can damage skin cells, even on cloudy or cooler days. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to UV light, and skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. UV rays are typically strongest at midday, making sun protection especially important between late morning and mid-afternoon.

Sunscreen Is Important — But It Is Not the Only Step

Sunscreen is one of the most effective tools for reducing sun damage, but it works best when used correctly and combined with other protective steps. The American Cancer Society recommends choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to help protect against harmful UV rays.

Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin before going outside, including easy-to-miss areas such as the ears, neck, hairline, the tops of the feet, and the lips. Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours, and more often after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. The American Academy of Dermatology also emphasizes that sunscreen must be applied correctly to provide effective protection.

Other smart sun-safety steps include:

  • Seek shade, especially during late morning through mid-afternoon.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, ears, and neck.
  • Choose lightweight, tightly woven clothing or clothing labeled with UV protection.
  • Wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.
  • Check the UV Index before spending extended time outdoors.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recommends sun protection when the UV Index is 3 or higher. At very high UV levels, extra protection is needed, especially during late morning through mid-afternoon.

Sunburns Are More Than Temporary Discomfort

A sunburn is a sign that the skin has been damaged by UV radiation. While redness, pain, peeling, and tenderness may fade after a few days, repeated sunburns can increase the risk of long-term skin damage and skin cancer.

Sunburn can also make it harder for the body to cool itself, which can contribute to dehydration and increase the risk of heat-related illness. If you do get sunburned, get out of the sun, drink water, cool the skin with a cool bath or damp cloth, and avoid further sun exposure while the skin heals.

Seek medical care if a sunburn causes severe blistering, fever, chills, dizziness, confusion, dehydration, or signs of infection.

Know the Warning Signs of Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Heat-related illness happens when the body cannot cool itself properly. During extreme heat or high humidity, sweating may not be enough to keep body temperature at a safe level. The Connecticut Department of Public Health notes that heat stress can range from mild conditions, such as heat rash or cramps, to more serious conditions, including heat exhaustion.

Warning signs of heat exhaustion may include:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Headache
  • Dizziness or faintness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Weakness or fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Thirst
  • Muscle cramps
  • Decreased urination

If heat exhaustion is suspected, move the person to a cooler place, loosen clothing, apply cool cloths, and encourage small sips of water. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. According to the CDC, symptoms may include confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, seizures, very high body temperature, and hot, dry skin or heavy sweating. Call 911 immediately if heat stroke is suspected. While waiting for emergency help, move the person to a cooler area and begin cooling them with cool cloths, cold water, or other available methods.

Some are at Higher Risk for Heat Stroke

Anyone can be affected by sun exposure and extreme heat, but some people are more vulnerable, including older adults, infants and young children, pregnant people, outdoor workers, athletes, people with chronic health conditions, and people taking certain medications.

During hot weather, check on family members, neighbors, and others who may need help staying cool. Never leave children, adults, or pets in a parked car, even for a short time.

Protect Your Skin

Sun safety is not just for beach days. UV exposure adds up over time, and protection is important any time you are outdoors. Building simple habits — applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, staying hydrated, and recognizing warning signs — can help prevent painful sunburns, reduce the risk of heat illness, and protect long-term skin health.

Before heading outside, take a few minutes to plan ahead. A hat, water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, and shaded breaks can make a meaningful difference in keeping you and your family safe all summer long.

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Fireworks Safety: Celebrate Independence Day Responsibly 

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kids playing with sparklers

As Independence Day approaches, many of us are looking forward to fireworks displays, cookouts, parades, and time with family and friends. Fireworks may be a holiday tradition, but they are also explosive devices that can cause serious injuries when used improperly.

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a permitted public display conducted by licensed professionals. Before celebrating, it’s important to understand the risks, follow Connecticut law, and take simple steps to protect children, pets, neighbors, and yourself.

Fireworks Can Cause Serious Injuries

Each year, thousands of people across the United States are treated in emergency departments for fireworks-related injuries. These injuries can include burns, eye injuries, hand and finger injuries, hearing damage, and trauma to the head or face.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2025:

  • 13,004 estimated fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments.
  • 24 non-occupational fireworks-related fatalities were reported.
  • 9,209 injuries, or 71%, occurred during the one-month period from June 15 to July 15, 2025.
  • 35% of injuries involved the fingers and hands; another 30% involved the face, nose, mouth, eyes, and ears.
  • Thermal burns were the leading diagnosis, accounting for more than one-third of injuries.

Sparklers are often viewed as a safer option, but they burn at extremely high temperatures and can cause serious burns, especially among children. Young children should not handle sparklers or other pyrotechnic devices.

Know Connecticut’s Fireworks Laws

In Connecticut, fireworks are not legal for use by non-professional, non-licensed individuals, with limited exceptions. Firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, aerial fireworks, and similar devices are illegal for personal use.

Connecticut allows certain sparklers and fountains, but they may not be sold to or used by anyone younger than 16. Even when a device is legal, it can still be dangerous and should be handled only by responsible adults in a safe outdoor area.

If you are unsure whether an item is legal, do not use it. Buying fireworks in another state does not make them legal to possess or use in Connecticut.

The Safest Choice: Attend a Public Display

Public fireworks displays are planned and conducted by trained, licensed professionals with safety protocols in place. Attending a permitted public display reduces the risk of injury and helps keep celebrations safe for everyone.

When attending a public fireworks display:

  • Follow all instructions from event organizers, police, fire officials, and posted signs.
  • Stay within designated viewing areas.
  • Keep children close and supervised at all times.
  • Do not cross safety barriers or enter restricted areas.
  • Protect your hearing, especially for young children or anyone who is sensitive to loud noise.
  • Keep pets at home in a quiet, secure space, as fireworks can cause fear and stress.

If You Use Legal Sparklers or Fountains

If adults choose to use legal sparklers or fountains, safety precautions are essential:

  • Use them only outdoors and away from people, pets, homes, vehicles, dry grass, and flammable materials.
  • Keep a bucket of water nearby for used items.
  • Never allow young children to handle sparklers.
  • Do not hold multiple sparklers at once.
  • Never point or throw any device at another person.
  • Do not try to relight a device that does not work.
  • Place spent items in water before throwing them away.

If a burn, eye injury, fire, or other emergency occurs, call 911 right away.

Be Considerate of Neighbors, Veterans, Pets, and Wildlife

Fireworks can be especially difficult for people with sensory sensitivities, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, or certain medical conditions. They can also frighten pets, livestock, and wildlife.

A safer and more considerate celebration may include attending a professional display, using glow sticks or LED toys, hosting a daytime gathering, or choosing quieter holiday activities.

Concerned About a Fireworks Display?

If you have concerns about a fireworks display in your area, contact your local fire department, fire marshal, or law enforcement agency. They can help confirm whether a display has the required permits and safety measures in place.

Celebrate Safely

Independence Day should be memorable for the right reasons. By leaving fireworks to licensed professionals, following Connecticut law, supervising children, and being mindful of neighbors and pets, we can all help make the holiday safer for our communities.

This Fourth of July, enjoy the celebration — and leave the fireworks to the professionals.

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