"Treatment" Season - Aquatic Herbicide Application Do's and Don'ts

Photo Credit - UF - IFAS

Here we are heading into the last week of May.  Those short, bitter cold days of winter are but a distant memory.  Many of us are currently thinking of nothing more than what to do over Memorial Day Weekend.  However, those of us in the business of Aquatic Plant Management are gearing up (or have potentially already even started) our 2014 nuisance aquatic plant treatment schedules.  While to many another year of applications may seem routine, a recent article on our Facebook page made us here at AERF think of those "worst case scenario" situations when people get comfortable in their jobs.  So today, we bring you an important look back at 10 Do's and 10 Dont's of Pesticide Use.  Be safe and have a wonderful weekend!    

DO:

• READ the label carefully before you purchase or use any pesticide
• KNOW your pest(s) and consider all alternatives for your specific goal
• CHOOSE the best pesticide for the job, both site and pest specific
• FOLLOW the label exactly as it is written
• USE the proper PPE required or suggested on the label
• POST all treated areas with restrictions and safe re-entry
• TRANSPORT and STORE pesticides securely, in original labeled containers 
• KEEP detailed records of all pesticides used and environmental conditions during application
• WASH clothing worn during application thoroughly, without other laundry
• DISPOSE of unused or unwanted pesticides properly

DON'T:

• PURCHASE more than you will use in one season
• HANDLE pesticides when you are eating, drinking, smoking, or not feeling well
• INHALE pesticide dusts, sprays, or vapors
• MIX a pesticide near a well head
• USE excess quantities of pesticide, applying to non-targets or applying at the wrong time
• APPLY to targets not specified on the label
• ALLOW pets or people access to the treated area prior to labeled re-entry time
• DISPOSE of unused products down the drain, sink, or toilet
• TRANSFER pesticides to containers other than the original
• STORE pesticides near food, animal feed, or in areas prone to flooding

For more on Pesticide Use, Health, and Safety, Visit the EPA's webpage

For more on chemical control of aquatic plants, visit our BMP Chapter 11

Stay tuned for more of the latest in aquatic plant management, science, and innovation!