Lush lawns require lots of care. Instead of doing it themselves, many people now hire lawn care companies to apply insecticides and herbicides that eliminate pesky insects and weed growth. In spring, companies usually develop a treatment schedule with the homeowner that requires several applications over the course of the growing season.

Michigan now has new regulations that make it easier for consumers to work with lawn care companies. The new rules governing pesticide use should result in improved service, clearer communication and expanded opportunities for consumer choice.

The following reflect the new rules. Both you and the professional pesticide applicator should be aware of these:

• Contracts between you and your pesticide applicator are now limited to one year, unless a specific expiration date is included in the written contract.
• Before applying a pesticide anywhere on your property, an applicator must have an oral or written agreement regarding the work to be done and the pesticide(s) to be used.
• In addition to the consent, every agreement must contain the name, address and telephone number of the company performing the service, as well as the approximate schedule and frequency of applications.

At each application, the company must provide the following information to the consumer:

• Company name, address and phone number
• General description of the pest(s) to be controlled
• A list of pesticide(s) to be used
• The time(s) and date(s) of application
• Any precautionary warnings about potential health hazards to humans, animals and the environment
• If you ask for it, the applicator must provide product labels, safety data sheets, Environmental Protection Agency fact sheets and a document that describes the rate of application of the active ingredients in the product(s).

Before or at the time of the first application, the company must provide you with the following risk and benefit information in writing:

• Definition of pesticide
• How pesticides work
• Why pesticides are used
• Toxicity of the pesticide being used
• A description of the environment in which the pesticide will be applied
• General exposure information
• Amount or rate of pesticide applied
• How the label directs the pesticide be applied
• Common sense tips on protecting human and animal health
• What happens to pesticides in the environment
• How to prepare a site before the pesticide is applied
• Instructions for physician contact in the event of an unusual reaction

The new regulations also require the Michigan Department of Agriculture to maintain a voluntary registry of persons who must be notified before any pesticide is used on neighboring lawns and trees. To be placed on the list, you must provide the department with a valid physician's statement regarding the medical reason for notification.

If you have any questions about lawn care companies or wish to know more about the regulations, call the Michigan Department of Agriculture's Pesticide and Plant Pest Management Division (3PM) at 517-373-1087.