Should nozzle discharge rate and sprayer calibration be checked with clean water before adding pesticide?

Checking the nozzle discharge rate and sprayer calibration with clean water before adding pesticides is essential for ensuring proper application rates and achieving effective pest control. This practice allows the applicator to verify that the sprayer is functioning correctly, with no blockages or malfunctions that could affect the distribution of the pesticide. If these checks are not performed, there is a risk of either under-application or over-application, which can lead to ineffective pest control or environmental harm.

Using clean water for this preliminary check avoids contamination with pesticides that could compromise the calibration process. It also helps see how the system behaves when pressure and flow rates are applied, ensuring everything is in order before introducing potentially hazardous materials. Conducting these tests as a routine procedure, regardless of whether the equipment is new or if the pesticides used are hazardous, underscores the importance of proper sprayer maintenance and calibration in integrated pest management practices.