When does pesticide drift typically occur?

Pesticide drift typically occurs during fog or temperature inversions due to specific atmospheric conditions that can carry pesticide particles away from the intended application area. A temperature inversion occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the ground, creating stable atmospheric conditions that limit mixing. This can prevent pesticides from dissipating normally and allow them to drift over longer distances. Fog also contributes to this phenomenon, as the moisture in the air can enhance the ability of small droplets to remain suspended and drift away from the target area.

Understanding the conditions that facilitate drift is essential for responsible pesticide application, as it helps applicators minimize unintended exposure to off-target areas. While dry weather may lead to other issues, and humid environments can impact application techniques, neither condition specifically promotes drift in the same way that fog or temperature inversions do. Water-soluble packets may alter the formulation and application methods but do not fundamentally cause drift related to atmospheric conditions.