Are pallets sprayed with pesticide and if so, are they unsafe to use?

It was suggested to use pallets for a reclaimed wood project. They are free and free is always good. However, I have been told that some pallets are sprayed with pesticide and I am not sure if this is true and if so, how do I know they have been sprayed and if they have, should I not use them or how can I get rid of the pesticide? Someone mentioned that staining them would be helpful. Anyone have ideas about this?

  6 answers
  • Gk Gk on Aug 27, 2019

    Many pallets are sprayed with pesticides and other chemicals especially the older pallets if you run across them. It is hard to tell if you have newer pallets but if you are concerned for any reason don't use them.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Aug 27, 2019



    Yes, it is true that some pallets are sprayed with chemicals with the intent that it helps preserve them from insects or from rotting.


    One of the reasons why pallets are not recommended for use as an approved construction material is that there is no way of knowing where the pallets originated from, what chemicals they may contain, or what other substances they may have been exposed to. There is also no control over how the fibres in the boards may disintegrate, or warp, when in a moist warm environment such as indoors in a home.


    Staining will only change the outer color and appearance of the pallets.

    It will be not be effective in preventing any other changes in the structure of the boards.


    Free is not always good in the long run.

  • Pam Price-Lebret Pam Price-Lebret on Aug 27, 2019

    Thank you this very helpful

  • Galina Galina on Aug 27, 2019

    Look for these codes on the side of the pallet. [HT] = Heat treatment / [MB] = Methyl Bromide / [DB] = Debarked / [KD] = Kiln Dried.

  • Pam Price-Lebret Pam Price-Lebret on Aug 27, 2019

    Which do I avoid?

  • Laura Cooper Laura Cooper on Aug 31, 2019

    Pam, Galina is correct. HT is fine to use and so is KD. All pallets are required to have an origin and treatment stamp. There are more codes than the few Galina mentioned. What I do is a Google search for the exact code on my pallet. I learned that the pallet I wanted for edible plant gardening was heat treated and originated in Mexico. Both were safe. Here is a great article https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-determine-if-a-wood-pallet-is-safe-for-use/