Which measure helps reduce hazards by removing potential contamination near the spray area?

• A. Make sure you have the correct location
• B. Remove all toys, pet food dishes, bird feeders
• C. Sweep or rinse away spray puddles
• D. Store pesticide containers improperly

Answer: (B)

Removing all toys, pet food dishes, and bird feeders from the spray area best reduces hazards because it eliminates objects that can become contaminated with pesticide residues. When spray is applied, residues can settle on surfaces and on items nearby. If children, pets, or people touch or mouth these items later, exposure risk increases. Clearing these items prevents that transfer and helps keep the area safer for everyone.

Other options don’t target this source of exposure as directly. Making sure the location is correct is important for applying in the intended area, and sweeping or rinsing spray puddles helps cleanup after spraying, but neither specifically removes contamination sources from the spray zone. Storing pesticide containers improperly creates hazards and should be avoided entirely.