What should applicators do to ensure compliance with pesticide regulations?

To ensure compliance with pesticide regulations, applicators must follow current labeling instructions. Pesticide labels are legal documents that include essential information about how to safely and effectively use the product. This information encompasses application rates, timing, methods, safety precautions, and any restrictions or requirements necessary for safe use.

Following the current labeling instructions helps applicators minimize risks to human health, non-target organisms, and the environment. Additionally, it ensures that users are adhering to federal and state laws regarding pesticide use. Labels are updated regularly to reflect new research findings, safety information, and regulatory changes, so using outdated labels can lead to non-compliance and potential harm.

In contrast, relying on old labels would not provide the most up-to-date and safe instructions for use, word of mouth lacks the reliability and legal standing of labeling, and ignoring safety guidelines can result in serious legal consequences and environmental damage.