The following statement about applying pesticides is true or false: It is allowable to apply a pesticide to control a target pest not listed on the label and not considered a violation.

• A. False
• B. True
• C. Not sure
• D. It depends

Answer: (B)

Pesticide labels determine exactly which pests a product may be used against. You must follow the label and treat only the pests listed as targets. Using a product to control a pest that isn’t on the label is not allowed and would be considered off-label use, which can be a violation of pesticide regulations. If you need to manage that unlisted pest, you must choose a product whose label lists that pest (or use an approved non-chemical method), unless a very specific and authorized exemption applies. In most cases, label directions govern permissible uses, so the statement is false.