What must be received from a customer before applying pesticides in a residence?

• A. Informed consent and an explanation of planned IPM approach, plus safety precautions and re-entry information.
• B. Verbal permission only and a list of allergies.
• C. A payment upfront and a written contract.
• D. None; pesticides can be applied without consent.

Answer: (A)

Before applying pesticides indoors, you must obtain informed consent from the customer and provide a clear explanation of the planned IPM approach, along with safety precautions and re-entry information. Informed consent ensures the customer understands what products may be used, why they’re chosen, and how the IPM plan aims to minimize risks by combining targeted tactics with safer options. It also communicates the safety steps occupants should follow and when it’s safe to re-enter treated areas, protecting people and pets. This combination of consent, plan details, safety guidance, and re-entry information is essential; simply getting verbal permission or a payment contract doesn’t cover these important elements, and applying without consent would be inappropriate and unsafe.