Policy statement for making pest management suggestions

The information and suggestions in this pub- lication reflect the opinions of Extension ento- mologists based on field tests and experience. The recommendations are a product of research and are believed to be reliable.

However, it is impossible to eliminate all risk. Unforeseen or unexpected conditions or circumstances may result in less-than-satisfactory results, even when these suggestions are used. The Texas AgriLife Extension Service will not assume respon- sibility for risks. Such risks shall be assumed by the user of this publication.

Pesticides must be registered and labeled for use by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Texas Department of Agriculture. The status of pesticide label clearances is subject to change and may have changed since this publication was produced.

The user is always responsible for the effects of pesticide residues on his livestock and crops, as well as for problems that could arise from drift or movement of the pesticide from his property to that of others. Always read and follow the instruc- tions on the container label carefully.

Endangered species regulations

The Endangered Species Act is designed to protect and help the recovery of animals and plants that are in danger of becoming extinct. In response to the Endangered Species Act, many pesticide labels now carry restrictions limiting the use of products or application methods in areas that have been designated as biologically sensitive.

These restrictions are subject to change. To determine what restrictions apply to your area, refer to the Environmental Hazards or Endangered Species discussion sections on the product labels or call your county Extension agent or Fish and Wildlife Service personnel.

Regardless of the law, pesticide users can be good neighbors by being aware of how their actions may affect people and the natural environment.

Worker Protection Standard

The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is a set of federal regulations that applies to all pes- ticides used in agricultural plant production. If

you employ any person to produce a plant or plant product for sale and apply any type of pesticide

to that crop, WPS applies to you. The regulations require that you protect your employees from pesti- cide exposure.

You must protect employees from exposure, inform them about exposure, and mitigate pesti- cide exposures that they may receive. WPS require- ments appear in the “Directions for Use” part

of the pesticide label. For more information, see Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS),