What is particle drift?

Particle drift refers to the phenomenon where very fine particles—such as those created during the spraying of pesticides—are carried away from the intended application site by air movement. This can occur during pest control treatments when the particles are sufficiently small to be affected by wind or other airborne forces, leading to unintended exposure of non-target areas or organisms.

Understanding particle drift is important in turf and ornamental pest control because it can result in environmental contamination, affecting beneficial insects, nearby plants, or even waterways if the chemicals drift outside of the designated treatment area. This highlights the importance of using proper application techniques and equipment to minimize drift and ensure that pesticides are applied safely and effectively.