13.4 Using chemicals

There may be occasions when a landholder wishes to control a pest using chemical means. There are however laws and regulations surrounding the purchase and use of pesticides, depending on the type and quantity used.
A pesticide is any substance or mixture of substances used to destroy, suppress or alter the life cycle of a pest. They can be a naturally derived or synthetically produced substance, or even an organism.
Pesticides include herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, fumigants, bactericides, rodenticides, baits, lures, repellents and pesticides used on animals to control external parasites. They control pest organisms by physically, chemically or biologically interfering with their metabolism or normal behaviour.
It is important that pesticides are used only where they are absolutely justified. It is essential that you carefully identify the pest you wish to control and then fully consider all the control options. If you choose to use a pesticide, then it is your legal responsibility to ensure that it is used correctly by following all the instructions on the pesticide product label or on a permit issued by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).