Spray Mix Calculators Re-Entry Interval Calculator

Pesticide Re-Entry Interval (REI) Calculator

Calculate safe re-entry time after any pesticide application. Includes a product REI lookup for 30+ common products, tank mix checker, PHI harvest planner, and a printable WPS field posting notice.

⚠️ The label REI is a legal requirement.

This calculator is a planning aid only. Always verify the REI on your specific product label. Product lookup values are typical references — formulations vary.

On this page: Calculator · REI vs PHI · Common REI chart · How WPS works · Related tools · FAQ

Calculator

REI Timer, Tank Mix & PHI Planner

Choose a mode: REI Timer for a single product · Tank Mix to find the governing REI across two products · PHI Planner for safe harvest date.

Not sure of your REI? Check the "Agricultural Use Requirements" box on your product label, or look it up on the CDMS Label Database or Greenbook.

When tank mixing, the longest REI of all products governs safe re-entry. Enter both products — the calculator automatically applies the higher REI.

⚠️ Always check each product label individually — some labels specify additional restrictions for specific tank mixes. This calculator only compares REIs, not tank mix compatibility.

The Pre-Harvest Interval (PHI) is the minimum number of days between the last application and harvest. Enter your spray date and PHI days to calculate the earliest safe harvest date.

Note: PHI is separate from REI — you must comply with both. If you applied multiple products, use the longest PHI of all products. PHI only applies to food crops; for non-crop uses, only REI applies.

REI vs PHI: what's the difference?

These are two separate label requirements that are often confused. You must comply with both.

REI (Restricted-Entry Interval) PHI (Pre-Harvest Interval)
Purpose Worker safety — prevents pesticide exposure Food safety — ensures residues reach safe levels
Expressed as Hours (e.g., 12 hours, 48 hours) Days (e.g., 7 days, 14 days)
Applies to All treated areas — ag, residential, turf Food crops only
Legal authority EPA Worker Protection Standard (WPS) EPA FIFRA / food residue tolerances
This calculator ✅ REI Timer + Tank Mix tabs ✅ PHI Planner tab

Common pesticide REI reference chart

Typical REI values for common pesticide types. Always confirm against your specific product label — the label REI is the legal standard.

Pesticide Type / Active Ingredient Typical REI Notes
Glyphosate (Roundup, etc.) 4 hours Most formulations; verify label
2,4-D amine 12 hours Varies by formulation
Dicamba (Banvel, Clarity) 24 hours Some formulations 48 hours
Dicamba (XtendiMax, Engenia) 48 hours Always verify — drift-sensitive product
Paraquat (Gramoxone) 24 hours Restricted-use pesticide
Organophosphate insecticides 24–48 hours High-hazard — always check label
Pyrethroid insecticides 12 hours Bifenthrin, permethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin
Neonicotinoids (foliar) 12 hours Imidacloprid, thiamethoxam
Spinosad 4 hours OMRI-listed; low REI
Strobilurin fungicides 12 hours Azoxystrobin, trifloxystrobin
Triazole fungicides 12 hours Propiconazole, tebuconazole
Copper-based fungicides 24 hours Copper hydroxide, copper sulfate
Biological / OMRI 4 hours Many have 0–4 hr REI; always check

⚠️ Reference only. The product label is the legal document.

How the EPA Worker Protection Standard REI works

The EPA Worker Protection Standard (WPS) requires pesticide application labels on agricultural products to display an REI. During the REI, only applicators wearing the PPE listed on the label may enter the treated area. Key employer obligations:

See the EPA Worker Protection Standard page for full requirements.

How to use this REI calculator

  1. REI Timer tab: Select your product from the lookup to auto-fill the REI, or enter hours manually. Enter spray date and time to get your safe re-entry time and a live countdown.
  2. Tank Mix tab: Enter both products by lookup or manual REI hours. The calculator automatically applies the longer of the two REIs.
  3. PHI Planner tab: Enter spray date and PHI days to get the earliest safe harvest date.
  4. Field Notice: After calculating in the REI Timer tab, press Copy or Print to generate a WPS-compliant field posting notice.

Pro tip: Post the generated notice at all field entry points as required under WPS. Keep a copy for your application records.

Frequently asked questions

What is a pesticide re-entry interval (REI)?

A Restricted-Entry Interval (REI) is the minimum time that must pass after a pesticide application before workers can enter the treated area without full PPE. REIs are legally required under the EPA Worker Protection Standard (WPS).

How long after spraying is it safe to re-enter?

It depends entirely on the product. Common REIs range from 4 hours (glyphosate, spinosad) to 12, 24, or 48 hours for more hazardous products. Always follow your specific product label — it is a legal requirement.

When tank mixing two pesticides, which REI applies?

The longest REI of all products in the tank mix governs safe re-entry. Mixing glyphosate (4-hr REI) with 2,4-D amine (12-hr REI) means you must wait 12 hours. Use the Tank Mix tab to determine this automatically.

What is the difference between REI and PHI?

REI is a worker safety interval in hours. PHI is a food safety interval in days between the last application and harvest. Both are separate legal requirements — use the PHI Planner tab to calculate your harvest-safe date.

What is a typical REI for glyphosate (Roundup)?

Most glyphosate-based products carry a 4-hour REI. Always check your specific product label as formulations vary.

What must be posted at a treated area under WPS rules?

Warning signs must be posted at all entry points, or workers must be verbally informed before entry. The posting must include the product name, REI, and the date/time re-entry is permitted. Use the Copy Field Notice button in the REI Timer tab to generate a compliant notice instantly.

Does rain or wind affect the REI?

No — the REI runs for the full stated hours from when spraying ends, regardless of weather conditions after application.

Can I enter during the REI with proper PPE?

In some cases yes — the label specifies whether early entry is permitted and what PPE is required. If the label does not list early entry provisions, you must wait the full REI.