What is a herbicide and how do you use it?

Answer 1

Herbicides are chemicals that kill plants examples include products such as 2,4-D and Glyphosate. An extreme example of a herbicide is the defoliant, Agent Orange that was used during the Vietnam War.

Pesticides are chemicals that kill "pests"; the term "pest" is used very broadly and includes: insects (normally referred to as insecticides), birds, snails, fish and even mammals.

Probably the most notable (or notorious) pesticide used was DDT which is now banned internationally.

Answer 2

Each specific herbicide has a particular application. All applications should be done within the guidelines that are supplied with the product. There are numerous standard precautions, some of these being:

• Never over apply or add too much herbicide it does not make it work any faster.
• Never spray on windy days (early morning is normally best).
• Reapply if it rains within an hour of application.
• Most products work best when applied in conjunction with a "wetting agent".
• Don't ever apply herbicides or pesticides in confined areas.
• Wash the application can thoroughly with soap and water after use - best still use a dedicated bottle for applications of herbicide - even traces in the bottle can cause plant damage.
• Clean your shoes thoroughly, traces on your shoes can easily damage turf or lawn area that you may walk over (particularly if they are damp).

Answer 3

you cant