Why should you avoid applying pesticides on windy days?

Applying pesticides on windy days can lead to pesticide drift, which occurs when wind carries the pesticide away from the targeted application area. This unintended movement can affect non-target plants, beneficial insects, and even disturb surrounding ecosystems. As a result, minimizing drift is essential to ensure that the pesticide impacts only the intended pests or areas, reducing environmental harm and compliance issues.

Moreover, minimizing pesticide drift helps to maintain the efficacy of the application. If pesticides are blown off course, their concentration may be reduced in the target area, leading to ineffective pest control and requiring additional applications, which can ultimately increase costs and reduce overall pest management effectiveness. Therefore, avoiding application during windy conditions is a critical best practice in pesticide use.