Fall lawn and garden cleanup is a chore that we all must do in preparation for spring. As we rush to complete these tasks, we must not neglect our health and safety. Here are some areas that could use our attention:

¢ Poison ivy toxin is still active and can remain so for years. The leaves will have turned red, and the belief that the itch and rash potential is gone is incorrect. The toxin is still on the leaves, stems, vines and all that it has touched. This oil is toxic to 60 percent of us and will remain active for years. Wear gloves, sleeves and long pants when working in any area where poison ivy is, or has, been growing. Now is not a good time to try eradication.

¢ Raking leaves has some inherent dangers as well. Bruce Chladny, Douglas County horticulture agent, was researching the oak leaf gall mite back in August. It was a problem then and remains a problem now.

“It is a tiny, 0.2 mm (1/125 inches) long mite that is barely visible to the naked eye,” Chladny says. “When the mite bites a human, it causes a raised, reddened, 1/2- to 3/4-inch (diameter) welt with a hard crusty vesicle in the center, itchy and painful when scratched. The bites often result in secondary bacterial infections. The mites must be in contact with a person’s skin for four to five hours for the bite to be felt 10 to 16 hours later. Because of the delayed reaction, many people do not know they have been bitten until the next day.”

After your raking episode, take a shower and wash all the clothes you were wearing.

¢ Chemicals that we use have a shelf life. The manufacturer did not put the expiration date on the product to increase sales; it is for our benefit. Chemicals do become inactive, and use after the expiration date will be wasted labor. Check the herbicides, insecticides, fungicides that you have on hand and dispose of them properly. Do not throw them in the trash or dump them randomly. Douglas County has an easy-to-use hazardous waste disposal program, where assistance is available by calling 832-3030. If you cannot identify the last use a container had, or the chemical that remains, dispose of it properly as well.

Keep chemicals in a safe location or even locked away. Children are curious. Even if it says “organic” or “bio,” it still may be harmful.

Other safety measures to keep in mind:

Lifting: Do not lift yard waste that is too heavy for you; use a wheelbarrow or garden cart.

Mower: Thrown branches – and there are more now – can harm you and others.

Electricity: Electricity and water do not mix; be aware of electrical cords and wet grass.

Ladders: They can slip easily on piled yard waste or wet grass.

Goggles: Safety glasses or some eye protection should be used.

Clothing: Dress appropriately for the weather.

Unattended devices: Power equipment is an attraction for all children.

Fall is a wonderful time of year that needs to be enjoyed by all. Let’s keep it safe so that everyone can do so.