What instructions should be provided to the consumer prior to a pesticide application?

The recommendation to stay off treated surfaces until dry is important for several reasons. First, it helps prevent any direct contact with the pesticide while it's still wet, which reduces the risk of skin exposure or inhalation of harmful chemicals. Wet pesticides can have a higher probability of transferring to someone’s skin or clothing, which can lead to unintended exposure.

Additionally, staying off the treated surfaces allows the pesticide to effectively adhere to the targeted area or pest, thereby maximizing its efficacy. Allowing the pesticide to dry completely ensures that it will perform as intended and minimizes the likelihood of it being tracked or spread to unintended areas of the home.

While washing surfaces, covering furniture, and venting the area provide beneficial practices, they do not emphasize the immediate safety and effectiveness of allowing treatment areas to dry properly before re-entry.