During the growing season, apply contact repellents at about what concentration relative to winter use?

• A. About half the concentration
• B. The same concentration
• C. Twice the concentration
• D. Not used in growing season

Answer: (A)

The point is adjusting how much repellent you use depending on the season to balance effectiveness with crop safety. In the growing season, plants are tender and you want to avoid causing leaf burn or other crop injury from repellents. Using about half the winter concentration achieves deterrence—animals still encounter the treated plant surfaces and are discouraged from feeding—while reducing the risk of phytotoxicity, residue, and crop damage. In winter, crops aren’t present or are more tolerant, so higher rates are often acceptable or needed, but during growth you pull back to protect the crop while still providing a repellent effect.