Pesticide use should be part of an overall pest management strategy that includes biological controls, cultural methods, pest monitoring, and other applicable practices, as discussed in the “Integrated Pest Management” section. When a pesticide application is deemed necessary, its selection should be based on effectiveness, toxicity to non-target species, cost, site characteristics, and its solubility and persistence in the environment.
Storage and handling of pesticides in their concentrated form poses the highest potential risk to groundwater or surface water. For this reason, it is essential that facilities for storing and handling pesticides be properly sited, designed, constructed, and operated in accordance with federal and Maryland regulations.
