What does pesticide drift refer to?

Pesticide drift is defined as the unintentional movement of pesticide spray to areas outside of the target zone during or shortly after application. This phenomenon can occur due to various factors such as wind, temperature, and applicator techniques, leading to potential exposure of non-target organisms and environmental contamination. Understanding pesticide drift is crucial for effective pest management and minimizing unintended consequences, which include harm to beneficial insects, plants, and other sensitive areas nearby.

The other options refer to different aspects of pesticide use. The intended application of pesticides to a specific target focuses on proper usage, which does not encapsulate the concept of drift. Mixing different pesticides together pertains to compatibility and formulation practices but is not related to unintended movement. Finally, the storage and disposal of pesticide containers deal with safety and regulatory compliance, which are essential but distinct from the dynamics of drift.