What must be done immediately after a pesticide application is completed?

After completing a pesticide application, it is crucial to clean all equipment used. This step is essential for several reasons. First, cleaning helps prevent contamination from residual pesticides, ensuring that any leftover chemicals do not pose a risk to the handler or the environment. Proper cleaning also prolongs the life of the equipment, as pesticides can corrode materials or clog hoses if not removed promptly.

Additionally, cleaning procedures may be dictated by state regulations to ensure that equipment is maintained in a safe condition for future use. Following these practices helps promote safety for both humans and non-target organisms and contributes to responsible pest management.

The other choices involve actions that are either not immediate or may not be necessary in every pesticide application scenario. For example, disposing of leftover pesticides is crucial, but it may not be necessary to do so immediately after each application—such tasks often have specific guidelines and timeframes. Similarly, notifying local authorities is generally required only in specific situations, such as a spill or unintentional exposure, and stopping work until further instructions could lead to delays and inefficiencies. Therefore, the priority is to clean all equipment immediately after pesticide application to ensure safety and compliance.