Using pest control products safely: questions and answers
Pest control products should only be used in businesses in accordance with their labeling, instructions for use, and the applications specified for the respective product. Before use, it should be checked what purpose and user category the product is intended for and which protective measures are required.
Particularly in commercial settings, such as hospitality, hotels, or food businesses, the safe handling of hazardous substances, correct labeling, suitable protective measures, and clearly defined responsibilities play an important role.
What are biocidal products?
Biocidal products are products intended to control, repel, or render harmful or unwanted organisms harmless. These include insecticides against insects, rodenticides against rodents, and certain disinfectants. Since biocidal products can also pose risks to people, animals, and the environment, they must be used in accordance with their labeling, instructions for use, and the applicable authorization conditions.
Frequently asked questions about the safe use of pest control products
The following questions and answers give businesses an overview of important requirements regarding the labeling, use, protective measures, and responsibilities involved in handling pest control products.
Quick check before use
Is the product suitable for the intended pest and area of application?
Is the correct user category specified?
Have the label and instructions for use been checked?
Have the required protective measures been established?
Is safe storage ensured after use?
Infestation unclear or more severe?
Not every pest infestation can be reasonably resolved with measures taken independently. In cases of more severe, recurring, or difficult-to-assess infestations, the Kaeferling Service provides professional on-site pest control.
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| Question | Short answer | Measure in the workplace | Source |
| What must I check before using a pest control product? | Before use, check the product label, instructions for use, intended area of application, and user category. The product should only be used for its intended applications and in accordance with the instructions for use. | Before each use, read and check the label and instructions for use in full, and verify that the product is suitable for the intended use. | BAuA - TRGS 540: Use of biocidal products |
| How can I identify potential hazards of a product? | Hazardous substances and mixtures may be labeled with hazard pictograms, signal words, and hazard and precautionary statements. H-statements describe hazards, while P-statements provide information on precautionary measures. | Before use, check the product label in full and follow the specified safety and precautionary measures. | BAuA - Hazard statements and precautionary statements for hazardous substances |
| What protective measures are required when handling pest control products? | The necessary protective measures depend on the product used, the activity, and the potential hazard. The basis is the risk assessment. Technical and organizational measures generally take precedence; personal protective equipment is used when necessary. | Take product information and the risk assessment into account, and derive suitable technical, organizational, and personal protective measures from them. | BAuA - TRGS 500 / Hazardous Substances Ordinance |
| Who is permitted to use pest control products? | This depends on the product and its authorized use. For biocidal products, a distinction is made, among others, between the general public, professional users, and trained professional users. For certain applications, specific expertise or qualifications may be required. | Before use, check which user category the application is intended for and whether special qualifications are required. | BAuA - User categories for biocidal products |
| What responsibilities does the employer have when handling hazardous substances? | The employer must determine whether employees carry out activities involving hazardous substances, assess potential hazards, and establish suitable protective measures. The risk assessment must be carried out by a qualified person. | Define responsibilities, carry out a risk assessment or obtain advice from a qualified expert, and instruct employees about hazards and protective measures. | BAuA – Hazardous Substances Ordinance / Risk assessment |
| How should pest control products be stored at a business? | Pest control products and other hazardous substances must be stored in a way that minimizes hazards as much as possible. In particular, they should not be capable of being confused with food or stored directly alongside food or animal feed. | Define a clearly designated storage area, keep products properly labeled, and store them separately from food and animal feed. | BAuA – Hazardous Substances Ordinance / Storage of hazardous substances |
Kaeferling Pro practical tip: From assessment to the appropriate measure
Effective pest control begins with correctly assessing the infestation. The type of pest, location of the infestation, and possible causes are crucial.
1. Identify the infestation
Identify signs such as pests, droppings, feeding damage, or shed skins, and document where they were found.
2. Check the causes
Check possible entry routes, storage areas, waste, and food storage, and eliminate vulnerabilities.
3. Implement monitoring
Use suitable traps or monitoring systems to determine where and to what extent pest activity is present.
4. Choose the appropriate measure
Select products appropriate for the pest and area of application, and observe the labeling, instructions for use, and user category.
5. Check the results
Continue monitoring and documenting after taking action to determine whether pest activity recurs.
Find the right solution for the infestation
Depending on the type of pest, area of application, and severity of the infestation, different measures may be appropriate. At Kaeferling Pro, you will find solutions for prevention, monitoring, and targeted pest control for various areas of application. Always check the relevant product information and application instructions before use.
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