Despite decades of experience in the pesticide industry, certain areas of pesticide handling and safety still pose challenges. Every stakeholder, manufacturer, distributor and end user has a responsibility to ensure safe and legal handling, transportation and application of pesticides.

One major shift in recent years has been the rise of online sales. While technology has made it easier to access products, it also has opened the door to improper purchasing of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs). By law, RUPs require that distributors verify a buyer’s active applicator license, record the sale and maintain those records as per state regulations. Unfortunately, some online platforms bypass this, allowing purchases without confirming license status, an alarming and frustrating trend.

This has enabled untrained individuals to buy and apply pesticides, often without the knowledge of homeowners. Those of us who prioritize licensing, insurance and compliance know how damaging this is to the industry. During my time with a national distributor, we often received questions about whether previous customers were certified. It’s important to note, distributors are not required to verify licenses for general-use pesticides. However, distributors are required to do so for RUPs, and they must maintain proper documentation for inspections.

Disturbingly, I personally have tested online platforms, added RUPs to a shopping cart and never been prompted to upload a license – not even at checkout. Maybe there’s a step after the purchase, but it never came up in my tests. This makes the choice of reputable, law-abiding distributors more important than ever. Price should not be your only consideration. Good distributors are an invaluable resource, helping you navigate label requirements and product selection and providing critical support in emergencies.

Manufacturers also play a key role. They carefully choose which distributors can represent their products, and expect them to provide the necessary guidance and service to the end user. Additionally, manufacturers often are available to assist with complicated questions or emergencies, and they invest heavily to ensure labels are compliant with EPA regulations, because the label is the law.

Shared responsibility in pesticide handling
Safe pesticide handling is not just about how we mix and apply; it starts long before that and includes understanding modes of action, application methods and the environmental impact. Everyone from manufacturer to applicator shares the responsibility.

It starts at the source
Manufacturers:

• Ensure clear labeling, tamper-proof packaging and compliant SDS (safety data sheets).
• Provide proper emergency instructions and ensure all transport regulations are met.

Distributors:

• Store products securely and away from sensitive areas like food, feed or water sources.
• Train staff in loading/unloading, emergency response and SDS access.
• Respond to public inquiries (e.g., “Will this product harm my dog?”) with accurate, accessible information.

End users:

• Always read labels and SDS before opening a container.
• Wear appropriate PPE.
• Never eat, drink or smoke while handling pesticides.
• Wash thoroughly after use, even if gloves were worn.

Spill response: Be ready, not sorry
Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. A spill response plan should be mandatory at every site where pesticides are stored or used.

Key actions:

• Maintain spill kits with absorbent materials, disposal bags, PPE and containment tools both on site and in vehicles.
• Store pesticides securely, never in passenger compartments.
• Train all personnel on proper response steps:
• Control: Act immediately, wearing PPE.
• Contain: Prevent spread, especially near waterways or drains.
• Cleanup: Follow hazardous-waste-disposal procedures. Never wash into drains or throw into regular trash.
• Review SDS and, if needed, call the manufacturer or Chemtrec (1-800-424-9300).
• Schedule annual spill response drills and ensure new hires are trained before handling products.

Storage-site-design best practices

• Restrict access.
• Improve inventory control.
• Protect from exposure, contamination and theft.
• Minimize temperature and moisture damage.
• Share storage info with local fire departments.

Equipment maintenance: Prevention is protection
Poorly maintained equipment leads to inaccurate applications, wasted product, environmental risks and potential injury. Maintenance is not optional; it’s a vital safety practice.

Maintenance guidelines:

• Triple-rinse tanks and hoses between chemicals.
• Inspect nozzles, gaskets, hoses and fittings before every use.
• Calibrate sprayers regularly, especially after repairs.
• Follow manufacturer maintenance schedules.
• Store manuals and diagrams near equipment or keep digital access handy.

Pro tip: Many manufacturers now provide instructional videos online, far more user friendly than older manuals!

Common start-of-season issues

• “Why am I getting no pressure?”
• “Why is my application rate too high?”

These are often symptoms of poor pre-season checks. Don’t wait until the season starts, test and calibrate early.

Tips

• After decades in the field, here are a few tips I’ve come up with that may go beyond the study guides.
• Mixing: Perform jar tests, follow label instructions and mix only what’s needed for the day’s route. It may seem easier to mix 100 gallons to meet needs for the day, but consider wastewater at the end of the day and proper disposal according to regulations, as well as how much material has now been wasted. That can be a lot of money wasted at times.
• Weather: Wind can move products off target. If a flag is blowing steadily, the wind may be over 15 mph, so don’t apply!
• Rain & growth regulators: Avoid applying growth regulators before rain. These products can leach or run off, which defeats their purpose. Conversely, consider watering needs before applications. Applications in drought or dry conditions may not be as effective as anticipated or can cause additional problems.
• Temperature: Never exceed label temperature thresholds (typically ~85°F). High temps can cause volatilization or phytotoxicity (plant burns).

A safer industry starts with each of us
Safe pesticide use is not just a legal obligation; it’s also a commitment to protecting workers, communities and the environment. By prioritizing training, preparedness and collaboration, we can prevent accidents, reduce environmental impact and support the integrity of our industry.

Whether you make it, move it or use it – thank you for doing your part. Your employees and your bottom line will be in better shape because of these practices!

Next up …
In Part 6 of this series, we’ll look at storing pesticides safely – proper storage and best management practices (BMPs).

Kathy Glassey is a senior consultant with Inspire Green Inc., a Pennsylvania-based company committed to helping tree companies around the country.