Under which circumstances should a pesticide application be postponed?

Postponing pesticide application during heavy rain or high winds is essential for several reasons. Rain can cause pesticides to wash away before they have a chance to adhere to the intended target, reducing effectiveness and potentially leading to runoff that can contaminate surrounding areas, including water sources. High winds can cause drift, where pesticides are carried off by wind to non-target areas, affecting beneficial organisms, nearby crops, or even residential areas. Proper timing and weather conditions are critical to ensure that pesticides are applied effectively and safely, thereby minimizing environmental impact and ensuring compliance with regulations that protect public health and ecological balance.

Other conditions such as cloudy days, normal temperatures, or early morning hours generally do not pose the same level of risk as heavy rain or high winds, and might even be suitable for pesticide application under the right circumstances.