What should be included in a pre-application checklist?

The inclusion of weather conditions, equipment inspection, and environmental assessments in a pre-application checklist is crucial for the safe and effective application of pesticides. Weather conditions directly impact the efficacy of pesticide applications; for instance, wind speed and direction can influence drift, while temperature and humidity can affect the pesticide's performance and degradation.

Equipment inspection ensures that all applicators are using properly calibrated and functioning machinery, which is vital to achieving the desired application rate and minimizing waste or unintended contamination. Environmental assessments help identify sensitive areas that might be affected by pesticide use, such as nearby water bodies or non-target flora and fauna. Collectively, these components of the checklist contribute to responsible and successful pesticide application practices, ensuring compliance with regulations and protecting public health and the environment.

In contrast, employee training schedules are more related to ongoing education and compliance than immediate pre-application considerations, pesticide storage methods deal with post-application concerns, and historical pest data, while useful for planning, does not address the immediate preparations required before applying pesticides.