What is the recommended action for controlling pests on ornamental and turf plants?

Following label instructions exactly is essential for controlling pests on ornamental and turf plants because pesticide labels provide critical information about how to apply the product safely and effectively. These labels include dosage rates, application timing, and methods that are tested and proven to work while minimizing risks to non-target organisms, humans, and the environment.

Label instructions are designed to optimize pest control while ensuring safety and compliance with regulations. Deviating from these guidelines can lead to ineffectiveness, increased risks of damage to desirable plants, or harm to beneficial organisms. Moreover, using pesticides improperly can result in violations of state and federal laws which mandate specific practices to protect public health and the ecosystem.

In contrast, using any pesticide available may lead to misuse or damage, mixing products can cause chemical reactions that can be harmful or reduce efficacy, and applying more than recommended rates can lead to phytotoxicity—where plants suffer damage from the pesticide itself. Thus, strict adherence to label instructions is the informed and responsible approach for pest management in ornamental and turf settings.