The label is the legal document on how to apply a chemical. Not reading and following the label is breaking the law and you are liable for that action.
It's worth reading the label directions for safety equipment and what you will need in one ounce mixing containers etc., while you are at the store, so you can pick those up at that time and not be tempted to try and do a application improperly.
Because it is a legal document it is difficult to read and follow. Best thing to do is read through the entire label once. Then go back with a yellow highlighter and pick out the key areas you'll be using every time you apply the product.
Start with the protective equipment and make sure you respect what is on that label. This is not that difficult to follow and something as simple as safety glasses can keep you from spending a lot more money on a emergency room visit. Cancer risk and poisoning risk are real so wear the right equipment.
Take care of the label because if there is a poisoning or contact issue, this is the fastest way to get the safety information. If there is a situation that warrants a trip to the doctor, they actually recommend you put the bottle with the label in a plastic bag and take it to the hospital with you; the medical professionals often go straight to that label for how to treat you and emergency numbers.
Dedicate a ounce mixing container or tablespoon just for chemical mixing, don't try and clean it and ever use it again in your kitchen!
You have your protective equipment on (called PPE on a label or Personal Protective Equipment), now you read the mixing directions, highlight them and write them on a booklet you keep with your spray supplies. When mixing, be aware if you use a garden hose, people may drink out of that hose at a later date so either dedicate a hose or fill a bucket and pour from the bucket into your sprayer. The concentrate can easily splatter on the hose end or up into your face so always allow for that and protect yourself.
If a label is compromised where it is difficult to read you will find most labels are also available online in a printable pdf form. The other item professionals must have by law and you should have is the MSDS sheet which has the safety information in more detail.
Here is a sample of a online label.
Notice the first page right below the Name Brand must have the Active Ingredient. This is what really is being used to kill the pest. Copy that a.i and put it in your google search to read the details of how that a.i works.
Your home product will have much smaller print and may even be harder to read. You can search for the specific name brand and product name to pull up the same label but in easier to read print. Copy it and put it with that bottle.
It seems like a pain until you get the stuff in your eye, or your dog comes in from the garage foaming at the mouth. We've seen men mixing dry fertilizer called weed and feed come in after not using gloves, foaming at the mouth and all of a sudden that label was the most important thing on the earth. So give it some respect and use it.
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