Which technique would help minimize off-target drift?

Minimizing off-target drift is crucial in pest control to protect non-target organisms and the environment. Using the largest droplets practical to provide necessary coverage effectively reduces the likelihood of drift because larger droplets are heavier and less susceptible to wind currents. When spray droplets are larger, they tend to fall to the ground more quickly, thereby limiting the distance they can be carried away from the intended application zone. This technique ensures that more of the pesticide reaches the target pests rather than dispersing into the air, which contributes to off-target drift.

In contrast, using the smallest droplets can increase the potential for drift, as lighter droplets can be easily carried away by even light wind. Similarly, applying during windy conditions dramatically increases drift risk, as the wind can displace droplets from their intended path. Increasing application pressure often produces smaller droplets, which are more prone to drift, further exacerbating the problem. Thus, employing the method of using larger droplets is one of the most effective strategies to minimize off-target drift in pest control applications.