There’s no doubt about it – gasoline helps us accomplish so many tasks every day. From helping you get to your destinations to allowing you to complete some much-needed yard work, gasoline makes our lives easier and more convenient. It does, however, have its limitations; in fact, there are certain instances in which you should never use gasoline. Stay safe and smart by following these handy tips in and around your yard:
Don’t Use Gasoline to Kill Plants or Weeds
We get it – weeds are a royal pain to deal with, especially since they come back so quickly. Many frustrated gardeners have turned to gasoline to help put an end to weeds in their lawns, crops, and flowerbeds. While it may kill weeds, it can pose devastating environmental consequences for the soil, which can also extend to the ground water or storm sewer. In short, you could be polluting your own drinking water. Besides, gasoline is extremely flammable, and any source of fire could ignite the fuel and cause your lawn to go up in flames.
Your alternative: Put that gas can down and reach for safer alternatives to bid those pesky plants adieu. A generous layer of mulch (about 3 inches), newspaper and weed guard, boiling water, and even cheap table salt can help make your garden weed-free!
Don’t Use Gasoline as a Fire Starter
It might seem like a good idea to use a bit of gas to start up your grill or amp up your bonfire, but it’s actually incredibly dangerous. Gas vapors are heavier than air and will remain close to the ground. When ignited by a match, spark, cigarette, or other source, the vapors can explode. To give you an idea, one gallon of gasoline can explode with the same force as 14 sticks of dynamite!
Your alternative: Never use gasoline near an open flame! Start your charcoal grills with fuels labeled as charcoal starter fluid, and use the correct materials to start and stoke any fires you may (safely) build.
Don’t Use Gasoline to Get Rid of Ants (or Other Insects)
When life gives you ants, don’t reach for the gasoline. You may not be fond of those tiny pests, but attempting to get them out of your life with the help of gas can have serious consequences, as this man found out first-hand. In short, your yard can literally blow up. Don’t try this at home (or, well, anywhere)!
Your alternative: There are much simpler ways you can control ants! Hiring an exterminator to evaluate the problem, setting out liquid bait to find their nest, and keeping a tidier kitchen can work wonders in keeping ants at bay.
Bonus Tip: Store Gas Safely to Prevent Injury and Accidents
Breathing in gas vapors can be harmful and can cause a myriad of symptoms including dizziness, respiratory problems, rapid heartbeat, and more. Use your gasoline only in well-ventilated areas and store it in approved containers in a cool, well-ventilated area such as your garage or shed. Never smoke or use matches or lighters anywhere near gasoline – this applies when you’re fueling up at the pump as well! Happen to spill gasoline on your clothes? We can help with that.
We know that accidents happen. Should you spill gasoline outside, you’ll need to take action. Staunch the flow immediately, grab some clumping kitty litter, and spread it over the spill. Let it sit for a few hours so it can absorb the gasoline. Later, you can shovel the litter into a heavy-duty plastic garbage bag. Call the fire department to find out how you can properly dispose of it!
By following these essential tips, you can help keep yourself and others safe from needless accidents. Remember, when you need gasoline for your farm, construction site, or fueling station, you can count on Home Service Oil to deliver gasoline and diesel fuels and more! Visit us at www.hsoil.com to learn more.