What should be avoided to minimize pesticide drift?

To minimize pesticide drift, it is essential to avoid applying pesticides during windy conditions. Wind can carry pesticide particles away from the target area, resulting in unintended exposure to non-target plants, animals, or even humans. This drift not only reduces the effectiveness of the pesticide application but also raises environmental and safety concerns.

Wind speed and direction play a critical role in determining how far pesticides can travel from the application site. Applying pesticides when wind speeds are low helps ensure that the spray remains on the intended area, significantly reducing the risk of drift.

While using less pesticide and the timing of applications (such as avoiding midday when temperatures are higher) can also be strategies for maximizing effectiveness and minimizing risks, they do not directly address the immediate impact of wind on drift. Thus, the primary factor to focus on for minimizing drift is avoiding windy conditions.