Registry offers pesticide alerts

MADISON (AP) - If you want to be notified whenever pesticides will be used in your neighborhood, you have until Wednesday to join a free state registry.

That's the deadline to sign up for the Landscape Pesticide Advance Notice Registry. Once you're on the list, professional lawn and landscape companies have to give you 12 hours' notice before applying pesticides to lawns, trees and shrubs at addresses you specify.

Most notifications are by telephone, although you might receive a postcard or notice on your door.

The alerts don't let you protest the pesticide application, but you might keep children and pets indoors that day or keep your windows closed.

The registry is coordinated by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Sign up on the agency's website or by calling 608-224-4616.

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