What should a PCA do if they encounter pesticide drift?

Documenting the occurrence of pesticide drift, assessing any damage caused, and reporting it to the appropriate regulatory agency is crucial for several reasons. First, pesticide drift can have significant environmental and health impacts, affecting non-target organisms including humans, wildlife, and beneficial insects. By documenting the incident, a PCA creates a record that can be examined later if necessary, providing evidence of the drift's occurrence and its effects.

Assessing the damage is essential as it helps to understand the extent of the impact and can guide future practices to mitigate similar events. Reporting to the appropriate regulatory agency is not just a matter of protocol; it ensures that the incident is officially logged, allowing regulatory bodies to monitor incidents of pesticide drift, investigate further if needed, and implement measures to prevent recurrence.

This course of action is aligned with the regulatory framework governing pesticide use, which emphasizes responsible management and accountability in pest control practices. Such diligence helps maintain safety standards and protects public health and the environment. In contrast, ignoring the issue, attempting to redo the application without reporting, or informing the media would not address the potential harm caused by drift and could lead to complications or further wrongdoing.