What is one of the regulatory considerations aerial applicators must adhere to?

Aerial applicators are required to follow label instructions for pesticide application to ensure compliance with legal and safety standards. The label provides crucial information about how, when, and where a pesticide should be applied, including appropriate rates, timing, and methods that maximize effectiveness while minimizing risks to human health, non-target organisms, and the environment. Adhering to these instructions helps mitigate the potential for pesticide drift and other unintended consequences, ensuring that the application is both effective and responsible.

In contrast, using only organic pesticides can limit the range of products available for managing pests, while applying at any time of day may not consider factors like wind or temperature that affect pesticide efficacy and safety. Flying at minimum altitudes is subject to specific regulations and may not always be the best approach, given the need to comply with safety guidelines and environmental considerations. Following label instructions is thus a foundational regulatory requirement for aerial applicators.