Pesticide safety and education

OSU Extension offers science-based information to help Oregonians use pesticides safely, effectively and in accordance with regulations. We provide education on proper application, storage and environmental impacts to support informed decisions and protect human and ecological health.

Latest Resources

Pest management guide for wine grapes in Oregon

Learn the most effective techniques for controlling insects, weeds and disease on wine grapes in Oregon. Study strategies for controlling powdery mildew, botrytis bunch rot and spider mites.

Patricia A. Skinkis, Jay W. Pscheidt, Achala KC, Marcelo Moretti, Vaughn Walton | Mar 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Bilingual glossary of terms for pesticide certification and training

The Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative produced this bilingual glossary of terms for Spanish-speaking workers or anyone conducting pesticide certification and training. A diverse group of translators from seven different countries worked together to ensure the glossary is accurate and practical for real-world use.

Nov 2025 | Online resource

PestiSeguro™/ PestiSafe™ App

This smartphone application was developed by the Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (PNASH) for forest and agricultural workers who work with herbicides and pesticides. The app provides an English to Spanish translation of commonly used pesticide labels in the Pacific Northwest.

Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center | Oct 2025 | Online resource

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Pesticide Redistribution and Its Implications on Pesticide Efficacy

Pesticides that penetrate plant tissues or move to other parts of the plant may be more effective than pesticides that do not redistribute. Factor this property into your pesticide choice.

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Photo Credit: Halfpoint - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Featured Resources

Using Pesticides Safely

Are pesticides hazardous? That's up to you! Understand the safe use, storage and disposal of pesticides.

Tim Stock | Jun 2024 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

How to Read a Pesticide Label: A Guide for Small and Beginning Farmers

Information on how to read a pesticide labels and the importance of understanding process and procedures when handling pesticides.

Evie Smith, Logan Bennett | Sep 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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How to do regular maintenance on air blast sprayers to ensure proper care for specialty crops

Air blast sprayers are one of the most common sprayer types used in specialty crop production. These machines are designed for heavy use on farms, and like all machinery, require regular attention to function effectively. This publication highlights periodic maintenance tasks for air blast sprayers. This is a general maintenance guide meant to complement the manual that comes with many sprayers.

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Photo Credit: Ververidis - Adobe Stock (Cropped from original)

Latest News

Gilliam County producers gain tools and guidance

Local OSU Extension support helps growers manage risk, comply and test new technologies.

Skyler Palmer | Mar 2026 | Impact story

School IPM Program protects health and safety of Oregon children

Training helps districts reduce pests, risks and absences across campuses.

Tim Stock | Mar 2026 | Impact story

OSU-USDA research leads to change in clover seed weevil management

Growers adopt new strategy to combat resistant pest.

Christy Tanner, Navneet Kaur | Feb 2026 | Impact story

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Supporting programs

National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC): NPIC provides objective, science-based information about pesticides and related topics. We help people across the nation make informed decisions. Oregon State University has competed successfully to run this project for over 20 years. The assembled expertise and collaborations run deep. Reach out to us with your questions and needs! NPIC is a cooperative agreement between Oregon State University and the U.S. EPA. Send your question by email to [email protected] or call us! 1-800-858-7378 Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Pacific Time
Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP): Oregon State University's Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP) aims to protect human health and the environment through education and service to Oregon communities. PSEP delivers high quality educational programs on the proper use...

Pesticide drift and pollinator protection resources

Clover seed bee protection protocol

Bees help pollinate Oregon's clover seed crop but are vulnerable to pest control measures. Learn how to protect bees while maintaining yields.

Andony Melathopoulos, Nicole Anderson, Ramesh Sagili | Feb 2026 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Are your weed-control products damaging nearby vineyards?

People living near a vineyard can learn to understand the damaging effects that common herbicides can have on grapevines. Learn how these products cause damage and how to minimize spray drift and grapevine damage.

Patricia A. Skinkis | Feb 2025 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Preventing Water Contamination and Pesticide Drift: A Checklist for Pesticide Applicators

When applying pesticides it is important to avoid water contamination and pesticide drift as much as possible. This checklist can help. Three separate checklists (before, during and after) make it easier to remember...

Tim Stock, Steve Castagnoli | Jun 2023 | OSU Extension Catalog Peer reviewed (Orange level)

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Organic agriculture

Gardening techniques

Insects

Integrated pest management

Invasive species

Nuisance wildlife

Meet Our Experts

Cassie Bouska

General Agriculture, Associate Professor of Practice

Contact with me with questions about agriculture in Coos and Curry counties

Kaci Buhl

Contact with questions about the Pesticide Safety Education Program and the National Pesticide Information Center

Brooke Edmunds

Community Horticulture, Master Gardeners

Contact me about the Master Gardener Volunteer Program or gardening questions from Polk or Marion counties

Jessica Green

Senior Research Assistant

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Is vinegar effective for killing weeds?

Q: What do you recommend for keeping weeds at bay in planting beds? We'd like to stop using Round-Up. Our beds are too big and the weeds are too numerous to be able to keep up mechanically. Would a vinegar solution be harmful to the soil?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

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