PMEP Home Page Pesticide Fact Sheets and Tutorials Pesticide Applicator Core Tutorial Record Keeping

Record Keeping

Besides just meeting the requirements, keeping records of pesticide usage is a wise precaution. Records can establish proof of proper use or they are helpful in finding the cause of error, if an error is made. They can also provide information to trace residue and /or damage problems. Records can also save you money. They allow you to compare the results obtained from different pesticides . You can improve your pest control practices and efficiency too. They also help to reduce pesticide misuse. Careful records from year to year guide you in buying only the amount of pesticides you will need. Therefore, you can reduce winter carryover.

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Goals of This Chapter

• Learn how pesticide application records can be helpful to you.
• Know when and how to fill out record sheets.
• Understand the importance of standard forms.

What Are the Requirements?

The more information you keep on record, the more useful the records will be to you. Carry a notebook with you in the field. All the information is right there in front of you. Do not try to memorize all the necessary items. Fill in a standard form to be sure that you get all the necessary data every time.

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Information Needed

• Time of day and date of application
• Crop or target
• Pest
• Equipment used
• Pesticide used
  • Common name
  • Trade name
  • Formulation and % active ingredient
  • Lot number (in case of cross-contamination or failure to control)
• Total formulation added to tank or hopper
• Amount of mixture used
• Amount or numbers treated (acres, trees, sheep, etc.)
• Additional comments
  • Location
  • Weather
  • Applicator
  • Severity of infestation

On every record form there should be a space left for additional comments. This space should be used to jot down information for your own personal use. This information can be used to improve your business, either through better customer relations or by saving you money. Such records can also be helpful in liability cases.

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Remember, the job is never finished until the paper work is done.

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For more information relative to pesticides and their use in New York State, please contact the PMEP staff at:   5123 Comstock Hall Cornell University Ithaca, NY 14853-0901 (607) 255-1866

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