Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Typical pesticide labeling statements that alert you to these concerns in-
clude:
•
Do not apply within 5 days of harvest.
•
Do not apply under conditions involving possible drift to food, for-
age, or other plantings that might be damaged or the crops thereof
rendered unfit for sale, use, or consumption.
•
Remove meat animals from treated areas at least 1 day before slaugh-
ter if they were present at application or grazed treated areas within 21
days after application.
•
Do not pasture or feed treated hay to lactating dairy cattle within 21
days after application.
D. HARMFUL EFF ECTS ON NONTARGE T PLANTS AND
ANIMAL S
Nontarget organisms may be harmed by pesticides in two ways:
1.
The pesticide may cause injury by contacting the nontarget organism
directly.
2.
The pesticide may leave a residue that causes later injuries.
1.
Harmful Effects from Direct Contact
Pesticides may harm nontarget organisms that are present during a pesti-
cide application. Poorly timed applications can kill bees and other pollinators
that are active in or near the target site. Pesticides may harm other wildlife,
too. Even tiny amounts of some pesticides may harm them or destroy their
source of food.
Pesticides applied over large areas, such as in mosquito, biting fly, and
forest pest control, must be chosen with great care to avoid poisoning nontar-
get plants and animals in or near the target site. Read the warnings and direc-
tions on the pesticide labeling carefully to avoid harming nontarget organisms
during a pesticide application.
Drift from the target site may injure wildlife, livestock, pets, sensitive
plants, and people. For example, drift of herbicides can damage sensitive
nearby plants, including crops, forests, or ornamental plantings. Drift also
can kill beneficial parasites and predators that are near the target site.
Pesticide runoff may harm fish and other aquatic animals and plants in
ponds, streams, and lakes. Aquatic life also can be harmed by careless tank
