3-16. IMPLICATIONS FOR PEST CONTROL PERSONNEL
The implications to be drawn from the available data on pesticides in the
environment are fairly clear. Pesticides play an extremely important role in our constant
struggle against the pests which attack our food supplies, our clothing, our homes --
even ourselves. However, we cannot use these chemicals indiscriminately and expect
to maintain a wholesome environment. All persons involved in pest control operations --
from the installation engineer or entomologist down to the operator -- must:
a. First, and most important, determine whether the application of pesticides is
really the best solution to the problem.
b. Determine the weather conditions before undertaking any spraying, fogging,
or dusting operations.
c.
Use ultra low volume (ULV) equipment whenever possible. ULV equipment
is designed to disseminate a smaller volume of pesticide per unit area by delivering a
spray of extremely fine droplets over a wide area.
d.
Whenever possible, use nonpersistent, rather than persistent, chemicals.
e. Use the recommended pesticide dosage. Excessive dosages violate the
law, increase the hazard, and waste materials. Insufficient dosages will not accomplish
the mission, will necessitate repeating the operation (thereby adding to both the
exposure and the expenditure of materials), and may accelerate development of a
3-17. PESTICIDE INFORMATION
Information in concerning the use, storage, and handling of pesticides can be
obtained by contacting the U.S. Army Environmental Hygiene Agency Pesticide Hotline
(DSN) 584-3773. This is a 24-hour service available to all military installations
worldwide.
MD0173
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