Impact of - IDL-BNC @ IDRC - International Development Research ...

Avoid using products that are known to move away from the area of
application through vapour drift or runoff. Avoid applying pesticides
under conditions that are conducive to droplet drift.
If possible, spray at a time that does not coincide with the breeding
season for wildlife species. Avoid spraying near nests, dens, or burrows.
Follow label instructions scrupulously. Take heed of any special warnings
concerning fish or wildlife and abide by specified buffer zones.
Avoid the use of granular formulations of acutely toxic insecticides.
They cannot be used safely because complete incorporation into the soil
is never achieved. If these products must be used and are applied with
mechanized equipment, shut off delivery long before the end of crop
rows and avoid spillage over bumps, in turn areas, and at loading sites.
Cover any visible spills. If applied by hand, try to ensure complete soil
incorporation.
Protect valuable wildlife areas by staying well away from field edges,
woodlots, wetlands (even if temporarily dry), ditches, hedges, fencelines,
and rock piles. Do not allow pesticide sprays to drift onto these
habitats.
Inspect fields carefully. Avoid the repeat use of any product that causes
any wildlife mortality. Experience has shown that what is observed is
only the "tip of the iceberg."
Treat and dispose of empty containers as directed. Where programs are
available, recycle containers.
Avoid contamination of any body of water, whether permanent or
temporary.
Never wash spray equipment in lakes, ponds, or rivers. Avoid drawing
water directly from these areas. Rather, take water to the spray equipment,
keeping chemicals and spray gear well away from the body of
water in case of spills. If necessary use backflow devices.
If carrying out a vertebrate-poisoning program, ensure that bait placement
minimizes exposure to nontarget species. Locate and remove all
carcasses to avoid scavenging. Avoid using products of high secondary
toxicity if the target species is subject to predation or scavenging. Protect
all species of raptors. These often fall prey to farmers who hold the
misguided view that they represent a threat to livestock. Yet their
benefits to agriculture almost always outweigh their occasional taking
of small farm animals.
Report any incident of wildlife mortality to competent authorities. Only
through such feedback will it be possible to minimize wildlife impacts
in the future.
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