DOVER, Del. — Secretary of Agriculture Michael Scuse and Pesticide Administrator Christopher Wade are warning Delawareans of people impersonating farmers and agricultural pesticide applicators coming door to door.

In the scam, the homeowner is told that they must leave their house for a period of twelve hours while the individual sprays crops in the nearby vicinity.

There are some indicators that these visits are a scam in an attempt to get the homeowner to leave their house unattended. There are currently no agricultural pesticide spraying practices in Delaware that would require one to leave their home. An agricultural pesticide applicator is required to prevent drift when spraying.

The Department of Agriculture cautions homeowners to be vigilant by:

• Not opening your door to unfamiliar persons;
• Take notice of your surroundings; and
• Report suspicious people in your neighborhood or on your property to the local authorities.

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Media Contact: Stacey Hofmann, 302-698-4500, stacey.hofmann@delaware.gov

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