What is a possible danger of using expired pesticides?

Using expired pesticides can pose a risk as they may become less effective and potentially more toxic. Pesticides have specific shelf lives, and over time, their active ingredients can degrade, leading to diminished efficacy. When a pesticide loses its effectiveness, it may not control pests as intended, which can result in the need for more applications and increased pesticide use.

Moreover, the degradation products can sometimes be more harmful than the original pesticide, leading to a higher risk of toxicity not just for pests, but also for humans, pets, and the environment. This dual risk makes it critical to always check the expiration dates on pesticides and safely dispose of any that are past their prime, as they may not only fail to perform as expected but could introduce new hazards.