For Landowners
Best Practices
Herbicides pose risks to people, wildlife, and the environment when misused. However, with proper handling and precautions, these risks can be minimized. Responsible herbicide use involves not only following label instructions but also applying them selectively in natural environments. Ensuring equipment is well-maintained is also essential for safe application [1].
How To Maintain Herbicide Application Equipment
Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for routine maintenance. Maintenance should include proper lubrication and calibration of equipment, regular inspections of seals, hoses, pumps and gaskets. Replacing worn or damaged parts, and storing it properly to prevent corrosion or damage [1].
If you use oil-based herbicides (ex: Garlon 4, Element 4, and Tahoe 4) in the sprayers, ensure you are washing and inspecting after each use. This is because the formulations contain petrochemicals which can break down the equipment seals. After spraying water-soluble herbicides, if you cannot clean your sprayers, at a minimum rinse them with clean water to keep the lines and nozzles free of clogs [1].
Squeeze bottles should be emptied at the end of each workday to ensure accurate herbicide use records and to prevent leaks caused by temperature changes. Always keep a safety pin or paper clip nearby to clear clogs in the nozzle tip. Never attempt to unclog a spray tip by blowing through it [1].
How To Calibrate Equipment
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How To Clean Equipment Safely
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How To Dispose Herbicide Safely
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Recordkeeping
Recordkeeping
It is critical and required by NM law to keep records of all plants/areas treated, amounts and types of herbicides used, and dates of applications.
Each state has specific recording requirements. In New Mexico, see the Pesticide Control Act within Chapter 76, Article 4 of the New Mexico Statutes Annotated. A summary of the act can be found here.
Commercial, public, and noncommercial applicators must keep detailed pesticide application records, including the applications made by anyone they supervise. Records must be completed within 24 hours of the pesticide application, kept for at least 2 years, and provided to NMDA or the customer upon written request. Any format is acceptable, as long as all required details are included [2].
The customer’s name;
the date, time, and location of the application;
The name and EPA registration number of the pesticide or pesticides used,
The concentration or rate applied.
The target pest and site (name of crop or specific site);
If the application is made outdoors, the wind direction and speed, and the temperature at the time of the application;
The total volume of mixed pesticide (use-dilution preparation) applied, whenever the pest control category is agricultural, forest, ornamental, aquatic, right-of-way, public health, or wood destroying pest control; and
The name and license number of the individual who applied the pesticide. [2]
Here is an editable Word document you can use.
Citations
[1] J. Hillmer and O. Land, “Upkeep and Maintenance of Herbicide Equipment upkeep and maintenance of herbicide equipment a guide for natural area stewards,” Jun. 2003. Accessed: May 16, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.invasive.org/gist/products/library/herbupkeep.pdf