Before filling a clean sprayer with an oil-based insecticide, what must be done first?

Before filling a sprayer with an oil-based insecticide, it is crucial to dry the sprayer thoroughly. Moisture within the sprayer can cause the oil-based insecticide to dilute or emulsify improperly, leading to ineffective application and potential damage to the sprayer components. Additionally, water can interact with certain chemicals, possibly resulting in adverse reactions or reduced efficacy of the pesticide being applied.

Ensuring that the sprayer is completely dry helps maintain the integrity of the insecticide and maximizes its effectiveness. This step also prevents contamination and ensures that the sprayer performs at optimal levels when applying the chemical.

Other options such as filling the sprayer with water, lubricating it, or inspecting for leaks, while important in different contexts, do not address the specific needs related to preparing a sprayer for oil-based products. Water could interfere with the formulation, lubrication is primarily necessary for mechanical function and does not relate directly to the preparation step concerning insecticides, and while inspecting for leaks is a good practice, it does not relate to the specific requirement of drying when preparing to use oil-based products.