What is considered an unsafe wind speed for spraying pesticides?

The consideration of approximately 10 mph or higher as an unsafe wind speed for spraying pesticides is based on the potential for drift, which can lead to unintended pesticide movement away from the target area. Wind speeds at or above this threshold can cause the pesticide particles to be carried off-site, posing risks not only to neighboring properties and sensitive environments but also to non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, wildlife, and water sources.

At lower wind speeds, such as 5 mph or less, the risk of drift is significantly reduced, allowing for better application accuracy and minimizing adverse effects. As the wind speed increases to around 10 mph and above, the likelihood of drift increases, making it more challenging to ensure that the pesticides are reaching the intended target. Therefore, marking 10 mph as a critical wind speed threshold helps in promoting safe application practices and enforcing regulations that protect public health and the environment.