If local ordinances in Illinois restrict a pesticide you plan to use, what is your required course of action?

• A. Comply with the stricter local ordinance or choose an approved alternative; do not apply if prohibited.
• B. Apply anyway if you are licensed.
• C. Ignore local ordinances if the product is registered federally.
• D. Only follow local ordinances if they match the federal label.

Answer: (A)

Local regulations can be stricter than federal labels, and in Illinois you must follow the most restrictive rule that applies. If a local ordinance restricts the pesticide you plan to use, you must either comply with that local restriction or choose an approved alternative. You may not apply the product if the local prohibition prevents it. The federal label sets minimum requirements, but local rules can tighten them further, so ignoring a local restriction or acting only when it matches the federal label isn’t allowed. This is why the right course is to follow the stricter local ordinance or switch to an approved alternative.