○ Read the pesticide label. It is a violation of state and federal law to use a pesticide contrary to label directions.
○ Is the pesticide labeled for the use you intend? If not, don't use it.
○ What type of protective clothing or equipment is required?
○ What type of application equipment is needed?
○ Are weather conditions right for the pesticide application?
○ Buy only the amount of pesticide you need. Pesticides stored for a long time may be less effective, and may pose an environmental or safety hazard.
○ Mix only as much pesticide solution as you need. It is better to underestimate than overestimate.
WHEN USING A PESTICIDE:
○ Wear all protective clothing and equipment required by the label.
○ At a minimum, wear a long sleeve shirt, long pants, socks and shoes.
○ Do not wear clothing made of cotton or leather. It may absorb pesticides and be difficult to clean.
○ Do not apply on windy or rainy days when pesticides may drift or be washed from the application site. Stand up wind when mixing and applying pesticides.
○ Keep children and pets away from the treated area. Keep them away for the time shown on the pesticide label.
○ Do not apply pesticides at more than the label rate.
AFTER USING A PESTICIDE:
○ Wash your hands with soap and water immediately. Shower as soon as possible.
○ Wash all clothing. Wash it separately from other household laundry. Use a heavy duty detergent and hot water.
○ If you apply pesticides to a food crop, wait for the time required on the pesticide label before harvesting the crop.
○ Keep pesticide measuring tools separate from household and kitchen tools.
○ Store pesticides in their original containers. Do not store dilute pesticide solutions in unmarked containers.
○ Keep pesticides away from food, feed, seed and fertilizer, and out of the reach of children and pets.
○ Dispose of empty pesticide containers according to label directions.
WARNING SIGNS AT APPLICATION SITES:
○ Commercial pesticide applicators must post warning signs at landscape application sites.
○ Homeowners who make their own landscape applications are not required to post warning signs, but are encouraged to do so.
○ You may obtain warning signs from the pesticide retailer.
○ It is a good idea to post at least one sign on each side of the application site, and at common entry points (near sidewalks, driveways, etc.).
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
○ You can get more pesticide information from your county extension agent.
○ You can get information about pesticide laws by calling the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection at (608) 224-LAWN.
