Pesticide Applicator how-to

How to Prevent Spray Drift

Drift harms people, plants and your license.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Drift harms people, plants and your license. In short: check; avoid; use, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Check wind speed and direction.

  2. Avoid spraying in high wind or temperature inversions.

  3. Use low-drift nozzles.

  4. Lower pressure and boom height.

  5. Leave buffers near sensitive areas.

  6. Stop if conditions change.

Safety reminders for pesticide applicators

  • Wear the PPE the label requires
  • Mix and load in safe areas
  • Prevent drift and follow REIs
  • Store and dispose of products properly

Label · Signal word · PPE · REI · Drift · Calibration: see the full pesticide applicator glossary.

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