Pests can be found both indoors and outdoors and you need to treat them ASAP to prevent further damage to your home and harm your health. But did you know that there are certain products that you cannot use indoors? Is Sevin one of them? That's what we researched and here's what we found out.
Sevin is an insecticide that effectively kills over 100 different species of house pests. However, it is strictly for outdoor use only since it contains ingredients that can be toxic to humans when exposed for a long time. This is an important safety precaution that you should follow to avoid adverse health effects on you as well as the people and pets around you.
Keep on reading so that we can explain further why Sevin shouldn't be used indoors. We'll also tell you the difference between outdoor and indoor pesticides. We'll also answer if Sevin is safe to use on your vegetable gardens and let you know the best time to apply this insecticide. Let's get started!
Is Sevin Dust Toxic For Indoors?
Truth is, pests can be found everywhere. Some can be lurking in your lawn or garden while some do manage to make their way inside your home. And when there's an infestation, the natural thing to do is find out how to get rid of these nuisances as soon as possible!
As you look for effective means to kill pests, you would come across various pesticides. Just be careful because not all can be used both indoors and in your yard. Although some insecticides are safe to use inside or outside your house, some are not.
That's why it is important to read the product information on the label. Manufacturers will let you know if their product is safe to use indoors and outdoors or if it's for outdoor use only.
The popular brand Sevin is one of the most trusted brands by gardeners for more than five decades now. Many people attest to the effectiveness of Sevin insecticides in helping them get rid of pests and protecting their gardens and lawns.
Sevin Formulas
Sevin is available in different formulas - ready to use, sulfur dust, insect killer ready to spray, insect killer concentrate, 5% dust bug killer, and insect killer lawn granules.
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Once applied correctly, they can efficiently kill over 100 different species of pests. The long list includes ants, leafhoppers, cabbage worms, potato beetles, ticks, and fleas. For sure, you would gladly get rid of them all, right?
However, take note that Sevin is only recommended for use outdoors. This is because when you apply this insecticide indoors, you may put your family's health and safety at risk.
Upon proper use and application, Sevin wouldn't present any significant health risks to humans and pets. That is if you use it outdoors.
Avoid Using Sevin Indoors
It's a different story when you apply it indoors. There's a higher possibility of being exposed to its chemicals which can harm you and your family.
Sevin's main active ingredient is either carbaryl or zeta-cypermethrin. Carbaryl is said to be more toxic than zeta-cypermethrin but both of these chemicals target the insects' central nervous system. Upon contact, they can be paralyzed and find it difficult to breathe which leads to their death.
These chemicals also have negative effects on humans which is why it isn't recommended that you use them indoors where you could be exposed to these toxic chemicals for a long period.
How toxic is Sevin to humans?
Long-term exposure to Sevin's active ingredient carbaryl can be toxic to humans. When you inhale a significant amount, you may experience dizziness, vomiting, nausea, slurred speech, and weakness.
When someone ingests it, it is a powerful poison. The person may experience seizures and it could affect the functions of the heart and lungs.
Children and pets are especially at risk since they are the ones who spend more time playing on the floor. They may unintentionally come into contact with the insecticide and put it into their mouth.
This insect killer can also make its way to the ductwork of your HVAC system. Before you know it, you're inhaling air that's polluted with its chemicals.
You are exposed to the contaminants for a long time and it can bring about adverse effects to your health. There are also concerns about Sevin being carcinogenic or could possibly cause cancer. That's why it's best to follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid exposing your family to this health hazard.
What is the difference between indoor and outdoor pesticides?
As mentioned earlier, it is important to read the product label to find out all the pertinent information that you need to know about the particular insecticide that you're planning to buy. In particular, you will know if it is okay to use the product indoors or if it should be strictly for outdoor use only.
Indoor Use Pesticides
Generally, insecticides that are approved for indoor use contain ingredients that are less toxic. Many use natural substances so that they are safe even if there are children and pets around. They have also been specially formulated to release fewer harmful gases as much as possible.
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This is because manufacturers understand that at certain levels, these fumes can become harmful, especially in an enclosed space. It would also help a lot when users open doors and windows to allow proper ventilation after the application of the pesticide.
Outdoor Use Pesticides
On the other hand, insecticides used outdoors do not face such restrictions when it comes to space. The fumes can easily disperse in the open air. In case the chemicals are really strong, you can put a fence around the area to make it inaccessible to other people especially little kids and pets.
That's why you will find that most insecticides that are only recommended for outdoors use stronger chemicals to make them more effective against various pests that are threatening to invade your property.
Is Sevin Dust safe for vegetable gardens?
Sevin is trusted by many gardeners because it is safe to use for fruit and vegetable gardens. This insect killer has been formulated to target pests and it kills them exceptionally well. But it does not penetrate through the skin of the fruits and vegetables that you planted in your garden.
But experts say that you have to know the right time when to apply Sevin on your plants. Take note of the recommended preharvest interval for each fruit and vegetable. This is the period wherein it's safe to apply the pesticide on these plants before you harvest and eat them.
In general, Sevin products that contain carbaryl have a recommended preharvest interval of three days while for those with zeta-cypermethrin, it could be as long as 14 days. Better check the label and the suggested interval schedule for the particular plant that you're treating with Sevin.
Make sure you wash the fruits and vegetables properly before cooking or eating them to remove the harmful chemicals that may have been retained on their surfaces.
When should I apply Sevin?
Insect killers like Sevin are best used at the onset of pest infestation. This will help you reduce the damage that they can cause to a minimum. When you notice early signs of these unwanted insects crawling on your lawn or plant beds, apply Sevin immediately.
It is advised that you check the weather forecast on the day of your pesticide treatment as well as the next few days after that.
Schedule it during dry or sunny weather. Rain will affect your application since it'll wash away the insecticide. Same with the wind, it'll blow all the dust particles into the air until there's little left for the insects that you're planning to trap.
As for the time of the day, experts say that it's best to apply Sevin on your lawn and garden in the early morning or evening time when the wind is calmer.
Once applied to your plants or soil, do not water these portions for at least 24 hours to allow the chemicals to settle on the surface.
Sevin's protection against pests lasts for three months. If you feel that you need to reapply Sevin, wait for one week before you do so.
Final Thoughts
Sevin is for outdoor use only. It's best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and instructions regarding proper application for your family's safety.
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