What two things should pesticide applicators be most aware of to avoid vapor drift?

The focus on temperature and pesticide volatility is crucial for understanding and managing vapor drift. Higher temperatures can increase the volatility of certain pesticides, meaning they can change from a liquid to a vapor more readily, which raises the potential for drift. If a pesticide is highly volatile, it can easily evaporate and be carried away by air movement, even over considerable distances.

Pesticide volatility refers to how easily a substance vaporizes. If the formulation has a high tendency to vaporize, applicators must be particularly vigilant, especially on warm days or under conditions that facilitate evaporation. By understanding this relationship between temperature and volatility, applicators can take proactive steps—such as adjusting application timing or selecting products with lower volatility—to minimize the risk of drift and ensure that pesticides remain effective at targeting their intended areas while protecting sensitive environments nearby.