Final answer:
The correct action when using a pesticide is to always follow all labeling directions, including the use of personal protective equipment regardless of weather conditions and applying pesticides strictly according to the label's instructions.
Step-by-step explanation:
When using a pesticide, it is imperative to always follow the instructions and safety guidelines provided on the pesticide label, which is a legal document.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is:
- Must follow all labeling directions
This includes wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), regardless of weather conditions, to protect oneself from possible exposure to harmful chemicals. Applying more material than the label use rates, even in case of a large pest population, is not recommended as it could harm the environment and increase the risk of pests developing resistance.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices advocate the use of pesticides as a last resort when ecologically based control measures fail and suggest that pesticides should be applied in a manner that minimizes environmental disruption. This may involve using non-persistent products and targeting only affected areas, like applying pesticides to specific parts of the plant rather than the entire field to protect beneficial organisms.