Movement Off Target

Pesticide particle drift and volatilization pose risks to neighbors, field workers, and the environment. Keeping products on the target site increases the effectiveness of pest control while reducing injury to nontarget susceptible plants, domestic animals, and wildlife. The proximity of an application site to sensitive areas such as nursing homes, subdivisions, schools, day-care centers, parks, playgrounds and hospitals is a critical factor requiring extra safety precautions. Misapplication can endanger public health and violate the law.

Two options exist for the applicator who is concerned about drift:

• Alter routine spray practices
• Switch to products than can be more easily managed to prevent particle drift or volatilization

Management decisions that can help prevent off-target movement include:

• Allowing for buffer zones and planting setbacks
• Incorporating pesticides into the soil
• Slowing the speed of the equipment
• Altering application methods
• Applying sprays nearer the target pest
• Applying at lower pressure
• Altering the time of application.

Products may vary in their ability to move out of the target treatment area. Evaluate each product to determine the best choice for your site requirements.

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