1.7 Check the Label for Site and Pest

In order for a pesticide to be legally used in New York State, the site and pest must be listed on the label. Other states may not have this requirement.

Before purchasing a pesticide, carefully and thoroughly read the label to be sure that the pest you want to control is listed for the site (i.e., crop) where you’ll be making the application. If a pest is not listed for the site you’re treating, check to see if a 2(ee) recommendation for unlabeled pest has been approved for the pesticide and the site. (See Section 1.11 for more on 2(ee)s.)

If you plan to buy more of a pesticide you’ve routinely used, be sure to read the label of the new product before purchasing it. Make sure the pest you want to control is listed for the site you’ll be treating. Occasionally a site and/or pest is removed from a label. Not checking this ahead of time can lead you to make an illegal pesticide application or possibly put you in the position of having to deal with an unwanted or unuseable pesticide.