Minimize Spray Drift

Specific Label Information Takes Precedence

• Check the weather forecast before application and be mindful of changing weather conditions during application. Preferred conditions for application of pesticides include: 
• Wind Speed 3 to 10 mph (5 to 16 km/hr.), no gusty conditions, and do not apply during periods of dead calm.
• Wind Direction-away from adjoining crops or sensitive areas. 
• Temperature-below 90°F (32°C). 
• Humidity-above 50% RH.

• Do not spray when wind is blowing toward pollinator habitat or areas where beehives are stored. Calibrate sprayers often, checking individual nozzle output and pattern.

• Always shut off the sprayer when making turns at the end of fields or gardens.

• Shut off the sprayer when near ponds, irrigation ditches, and other sources of water that may be used by pollinators. Pesticide labels typically prohibit applications in close proximity to surface water. 

• Shut off sprayer or individual nozzles where it is not necessary to spray, such as gaps in the crop or shrubbery.

• Consider sprayer technologies that reduce drift, such as hooded towers, wraparound, tunnel and target-sensing sprayers.

• Choose low pressure or low-drift nozzles that reduce drift by producing a medium to coarse droplet size and minimize the number fine droplets less than 150 microns. Fine droplets tend to drift further.

Minimize Vapor Drift

Specific Label Information Takes Precedence. Vapor drift can occur after applications of certain pesticides, particularly those formulated as emulsifiable concentrates (ECs).

• Spray during cool temperatures to minimize vaporizing action of the product.

• Soil-incorporate volatile products during, or soon after, application.

• Minimize vaporization during applications by using a relatively coarse spray.

For more detailed information on drift control, see the PES Drift Module