What is meant by pesticide misuse?

Pesticide misuse refers to applying pesticides in a way that deviates from the instructions provided on the product label. The label contains essential information regarding how to safely and effectively use the pesticide, including application rates, methods, timing, and target pests. When these guidelines are not followed, it can lead to harmful consequences such as ineffective pest control, harm to non-target species, environmental damage, and health risks to humans and animals. This principle underscores the importance of adhering to label directions to ensure the effectiveness of pesticides and the safety of their use.

In contrast, applying pesticides too frequently, using them to kill weeds, or mixing different pesticides may not inherently constitute misuse if done within the parameters set forth by the product labels. While these practices can lead to issues like resistance or non-target effects, they do not directly imply a breach of the application guidelines as outlined for safe and legal pesticide use.