When chemical controls are used, they are applied in targeted areas, at the lowest effective application rate possible and in accordance with product labels and applicable regulations.
Applications are performed by licensed and certified applicators or individuals working under proper supervision. Applicators are responsible for reading and following product labels, using required personal protective equipment, properly maintaining equipment and complying with Colorado Department of Agriculture requirements.
Safety practices may include using spot treatments instead of broad applications when possible, properly locking and storing products, clearly marking pesticide vehicles, following label requirements and managing products carefully to reduce excess pesticide use on site.
Pesticide labels also use signal words to describe relative risk. These include Caution, Warning, Danger and Danger-Poison. Following the label is one of the most important ways to protect applicators, the public and the environment.