What should be done with any granules that fall outside the treatment area?

The appropriate action to take with any granules that fall outside the treatment area is to sweep or blow them back into the treatment area. This practice helps ensure that the pesticide remains contained within the area where it is intended to be effective, minimizing the risk of unintended exposure to non-target organisms or contamination of surrounding environments.

When granules are left in the open (as suggested by one of the other choices), they can be washed away by rain or irrigation, leading to potential water contamination and impacting beneficial organisms or ecosystems nearby. Simply disposing of the granules in regular trash may not be compliant with hazardous waste disposal regulations, depending on the nature of the pesticide used. Additionally, washing granules away with water can also spread the pesticide, increasing the likelihood of environmental harm. Therefore, collecting and returning the granules to the treatment area is the best practice to safeguard both effectiveness and environmental integrity.