Illinois Pesticide Applicator Practice Test

Under which condition should you not spray to prevent drift?

1. Winds over 10 mph

2. Winds blowing towards sensitive areas

3. Winds shifting

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Spraying pesticides should be avoided under any of the specified conditions to prevent drift, which can lead to unintended application onto non-target areas. When winds exceed 10 mph, the increased air movement can carry pesticide particles far from the intended target, making it challenging to control where the chemicals land. This can result in negative impacts on nearby plants, beneficial insects, or even human populations. If winds are blowing toward sensitive areas, such as schools, water bodies, or neighboring properties, there's a heightened risk of drift affecting those locations. In this scenario, even if the winds are within acceptable speed limits, the direction is critical, as it could lead to environmental harm or health risks. Winds that are shifting can create unpredictable conditions, resulting in sudden changes in where the pesticides may land. This uncertainty makes it difficult to ensure that pesticide applications remain confined to the target area, increasing the risk of drift. Each of these conditions independently contributes significantly to the risk of pesticide drift, making it essential to avoid spraying altogether when any one of them is present.