What should be done to minimize the risks of pesticide drift?

Applying pesticides during calm weather conditions is an effective practice to minimize the risks of pesticide drift. When the wind is calm, there is less likelihood of pesticide particles being carried away from the intended treatment area. Wind can significantly contribute to drift, meaning that droplets can be transported away from the target area and potentially affect non-target plants, wildlife, or even humans in nearby areas. By choosing to apply pesticides when conditions are more stable, such as during calm weather, applicators can ensure that the product delivered remains focused on the intended site, reducing the chance of unintended spread.

Other methods, such as increasing the volume of pesticide or using higher concentrations, do not address the core issue of drift and may actually exacerbate the risks by potentially allowing more material to enter the air or surrounding environment. Similarly, applying pesticides at night may not effectively mitigate drift concerns unless weather conditions are also favorable at that time, and nighttime applications can introduce other challenges such as visibility and accuracy in targeting the application area. Therefore, selecting calm weather for applications is the most straightforward and reliable way to control pesticide drift.