What is the best practice before applying pesticides with any sprayer?

The best practice before applying pesticides with any sprayer is to ensure calibration is accurate. Calibration ensures that the sprayer is delivering the correct amount of pesticide to the target area. This is crucial for efficacy and safety, as improper calibration can lead to ineffective pest control or damage to non-target organisms and the environment. By checking calibration, you can adjust the sprayer settings to apply the intended dosage, minimizing waste and risks associated with over-application or under-application.

While checking battery levels is important for battery-operated sprayers, and inspecting for leaks is vital for safe operation and preventing spills, these steps do not directly influence how effectively the pesticide is delivered. Reviewing pesticide labels is essential for understanding usage, safety, and environmental precautions, but without ensuring calibration accuracy, even a well-reviewed label won't guarantee the desired outcome in pest control. Therefore, accurate calibration directly impacts the success of the application process.