When applying pesticides and fertilizers, homeowners should
first read the product labels that specify how to use the product safely,
effectively, and legally. Applying pesticides, fertilizers, or weed and feed
products that contain both a pesticide and a fertilizer in a manner
inconsistent with label directions is a violation of the law.
When hiring a professional lawn care provider to apply lawn
care products, MDA advises homeowners to
make sure these professionals are licensed. State law requires commercial
applicators to be licensed by MDA . To obtain
a license, applicators must demonstrate the necessary qualifications, knowledge
and training to apply pesticides and fertilizers safely, effectively, and
according to the law.
Whether you are doing the work yourself or hiring a
professional, follow these tips to help ensure lawn, garden and tree-care
services are performed correctly:
Buy only what you need and store unused product safely.
Do not apply chemicals if the weather conditions are not
right. For example, high wind can cause products to drift off-site and
potentially harm people or plants.
Sweep up any dry product from sidewalks or other hard
surfaces and reapply it to the intended site.
Ask to see the professional applicator’s license before they
start working. They must carry a valid license ID card.
Be wary of people who make promises that sound too good to
be true, claim their products are completely safe or pressure you to commit to
or sign a service contract.
Note warning signs/flags that are posted on a lawn near the
sidewalk or street and at entry points on recreational property to alert people
that a treatment was made to the area.
Review written application records and/or invoices provided
by applicators to document their work, including products used and sites
applied.
Consumers can call the Better Business Bureau 800-646-6222
and ask for a customer satisfaction history about lawn care companies. For
information about applicator licenses, call MDA
at 651-201-6615. To report an unlicensed person making a pesticide or
fertilizer application, please file a complaint on the MDA
website at www.mda.state.mn.us.
