Consider Weather and Irrigation Delay the pesticide applications if heavy or sustained rain is anticipated. Pesticide runoff and leaching are favored by rainfall soon after application. Do not apply pesticides before scheduled irrigations, unless the product must activated by moisture. Control the quantity of irrigation water to minimize leaching and runoff. Measure Pesticides Carefully Accurately calculate the amount of pesticide needed to treat the site to assure you are staying with in the label rate.
Careful calculations help eliminate disposal problems associated with excess spray mix.
Calibrate Sprayer Calibrate application equipment frequently to assure the desired amount of pesticide is being applied. Check the equipment for leaks and malfunctions. Mix and Load Carefully Repeated pesticide spills at mixing and loading sites may exceed the capacity of the soil to adsorb or degrade the chemical and increase the likelihood of ground water contamination. If spills occur, follow containment and cleanup procedures. Consult the label or the County Extension office for cleanup procedures.