Before selecting a pesticide, study the entire situation carefully and keep in mind the sensitive areas where trouble may occur such as playgrounds, fish ponds, pet pens, bee yards, etc. Identify the pest to be controlled. Obtain the current recommendations for the control of this pest from the Cooperative Extension Service.1 Study the labels on the various recommended pesticides considering all hazards, limitations, and precautions. Make sure the label lists your pest problem and the host or crop to be treated.
Determine the classification of the pesticide formulation and use. In conformance with Amended FIFRA and the Ohio Pesticide Law applications of pesticides that are labeled "Restricted Use - For sale to and application only by Certified Pesticide Applicators or by persons under their direct supervision" will require that you successfully complete an examination and become certified before being permitted to purchase and/or apply the material or that you hire the services of a Certified Applicator.
Pesticide applicators and public operators are certified and licensed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture. Copies of the Ohio Pesticide Law and Regulations can be obtained from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Regulation Section, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068.
Pesticides classified as "General Use" are exempt from the federal requirements of applicator certification but are subject to all other FIFRA federal regulations on safe use and may be subject to State regulations on certification and licensing and use.
Certain restricted pesticides, when used, require that notification be given to occupants of lands within 1,000 feet of the boundaries of an open area or field to be treated, at least 24 hours before application. They should also be informed of the precautions necessary to be observed for safety of humans and animals.
Purchase only the quantity of material needed for a single season. Check the required waiting period on the label with the interval before harvest on food crops you wish to treat. Also, check the required "re-entry interval" after use before personnel should enter a treated area with and without protective clothing. If necessary for pesticide application or for applicator and/or worker re-entry safety, obtain protective clothing, such as waterproof suit, coveralls, cap, gloves, etc., as well as appropriate gas masks, respirators and goggles.2 If you do not have or do not wish to use this protective clothing, you should select less hazardous pesticides. If you have questions or problems you do not understand, ask questions - NOW.
1. County Extension offices are usually located in each county seat throughout the state or you may contact Cooperative Extension Service, College of Agriculture, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43210.
2. A listing of safety equipment suppliers in Ohio is included at the end of this publication.