Can you store pesticides in a garage?

Author: Zora Stokes  |  Last update: Friday, November 7, 2025

Bottles of pesticides (in particular, products whose names end with “SC” or “EC” or “CS”) should be stored in air conditioned areas. If they're stored where it gets really hot – like outdoors, in a garage, or in a shed – you risk “cooking” your insecticide sprays.

Where is the best place for storing pesticides?

Where to Store Pesticides. Store pesticides out of reach of children and pets. If possible, keep pesticides in a locked cabinet in a well-ventilated utility area or garden shed. Never store pesticides in cabinets with or near food, animal feed, or medical supplies.

What chemicals should not be stored in the garage?

Fuel and chemicals

All flammable substances, such as gas, oil, or other fuel, should be kept in a shed outside the house to reduce fire risk, and stored in approved fuel containers. Any cleaning chemicals should also be tightly capped and stored elsewhere to prevent fumes and container rupture from heat.

What temperature should pesticides be stored at?

Temperature Matters

Extremes in temperature can change the chemistry of some pesticides inside the container. Extremes in temperature can also damage containers. Always read the label for storage instructions. As a general rule, pesticides are best stored between 40-90 °F.

What type of floor should a pesticide storage area have?

The floor of the storage area should be made of a material that can contain a spill and be properly cleaned. A mate- rial such as sealed cement is a good choice. Pesticide storage areas should never have dirt, grass or wood flooring.

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Can you store bug spray in the garage?

If they're stored where it gets really hot – like outdoors, in a garage, or in a shed – you risk “cooking” your insecticide sprays.

What is the minimum distance from the floor that chemicals can be stored?

Chemicals such as cleaners and sanitizers should be stored: Away from any food or clean equipment and utensils. This is to avoid contamination and ensure the safety of the food and utensils. At least 3 inches above the floor.

Do pesticides get destroyed by heat?

It has been demonstrated that in most cases, cooking resulted in large reductions in the levels of pesticide residues in cooked vegetables [21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28]. Thus, cooking processes have a very important effect on diminishing the pesticide residues in cooked vegetables.

Are pesticides flammable?

The solvents used in pesticide formulations are generally flammable and, as a result, these pesticide formulations pose the greatest fire hazard. fertilizer components will not burn but, like pesticides, will decompose and release toxic vapors or smoke in the heat of a fire.

How do you store chemicals in a garage?

Place them in a dedicated chemical storage cabinet, away from heaters, power tools, or electrical outlets. Many chemical storage cabinets have compartments specifically designed for flammable materials, providing an extra layer of safety.

What should not be stored in unheated garage?

  1. Propane Tanks. Propane tanks pose a serious hazard if left in the garage, or any other closed area. ...
  2. Paint and Other Chemicals. Prolonged exposure to heat and cold will eventually damage leftover paint. ...
  3. Pantry Goods. ...
  4. Any Fabric. ...
  5. Any Paper. ...
  6. Toys. ...
  7. Electronics, Vinyl Records, and Film Rolls. ...
  8. Antique Furniture.

What would start a fire in the garage?

Flammable liquids, storage of combustibles, gas appliances and electrical tools can lead to fires. Did you know: Garage fires tend to spread farther and cause more injuries and dollar loss than fires that start in all other areas of the home.

Can pesticides be stored outside?

Pesticide storage should be restricted to a first story room or area which as direct access to the outside (according to the Board of Fire Prevention). Pesticides cannot be stored in basements. Pesticides should not be stored outdoors.

Where is the safest place to store chemicals?

General Storage Requirements

Hazardous chemicals must be stored below eye level. Do not store chemicals on the floor, window ledges, or balconies. Keep containers closed unless you are dispensing a chemical or adding to the container. Use rated storage cabinets or safety cans whenever possible—required for >10 gal.

Where do you spray pesticide in your house?

Apply to areas where pests hide, paying special attention to cracks and crevices. Apply to baseboards, corners, storage areas, closets, around water pipes, doors and windows, in attics and eaves, behind and under refrigerators, cabinets, sinks, furnaces, stoves, under shelves, drawers and similar areas.

What not to do with pesticides?

Follow label directions exactly when mixing and applying pesticides.
  • Use only pesticides that are in their original containers with the label attached.
  • Follow directions on the label exactly. ...
  • Wear protective clothing as described on the label. ...
  • Never smoke, drink, or eat while handling pesticides.

Are pesticide fumes harmful?

Pesticides are toxic. The health risk to people depends on the toxicity of the pesticide and the amount of exposure. Exposure to pesticides can produce a range of symptoms, depending on the method and length of exposure and type of pesticide. The method of pesticide application also influences the exposure.

What is the shelf life of pesticides?

Pesticide product manufacturers generally design their formulations to remain both chemically and physically stable for at least two to three years in their original and sealed packages.

How long do pesticides stay active?

Pesticide half-lives can be lumped into three groups in order to estimate persistence. These are low (less than 16 day half-life), moderate (16 to 59 days), and high (over 60 days). Pesticides with shorter half-lives tend to build up less because they are much less likely to persist in the environment.

Does vinegar get rid of pesticides?

While you can remove pesticide residues using a soaking solution such as vinegar and water or salt and water, it's not advisable. There's a small risk the chemical reaction between the pesticides and the solution could produce potentially harmful compounds.

Does temperature affect pesticides?

Temperature extremes in storage can reduce the effectiveness of pesticides. Freezing of liquid pesticides can result in separation of the active ingredients from the solvents or emulsifiers, or inactivation of emulsifiers, which may lead to crystallization or coagulation of the pesticide.

What is the 18 inch rule of sanitation?

Store dry foods at least six inches off the floor and at least 18 inches away from outer walls to reduce the chances of condensation brought on by temperature differences between the container and the surface against which it rests, as well as to facilitate cleaning and pest control activities.

How do you store hazardous chemicals at home?

Store products in their original containers out of the reach of children and pets. Store anything that can catch on fire away from your home. Never store materials that can cause a fire in the sun or near an open flame or heat source. Use safety locks and guardrails on shelves and cabinets when you store materials.

What are four guidelines for properly storing chemicals do not include?

Among the options A) Labeling containers clearly, B) Storing chemicals in unmarked containers, C) Keeping chemicals in a well-ventilated area, and D) Using appropriate storage containers and cabinets, the one that is NOT a guideline for storage is B) Storing chemicals in unmarked containers.

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