What is the greatest hazard when first applying pesticide?

The greatest hazard when first applying pesticide is spray drift. Spray drift occurs when pesticide particles or droplets are carried away from the target area by wind or air movement during or immediately after application. This can lead to unintended exposure of non-target plants, animals, and even humans, potentially causing harm to the environment and public health.

During the initial application phase, conditions such as wind speed and direction can significantly impact the extent of drift. If the wind is too strong or inconsistent, it can easily carry the pesticide away from the intended target, leading to unintentional application on sensitive areas such as neighboring crops, gardens, or habitats. Thus, understanding and controlling for spray drift is crucial in ensuring safe and effective pesticide use.

While mixing, loading, and exposure to wildlife are important considerations, they typically do not pose the same immediate risk of widespread harm that can arise from spray drift during the active application process. Properly managing spray drift can minimize these risks and ensure that pesticides are applied in a manner that is both effective and environmentally responsible.