Is it permissible to spray pesticides when wind speeds exceed 10 mph?

Spraying pesticides when wind speeds exceed 10 mph is generally considered unsafe and is not permissible because higher wind speeds can lead to drift, where the pesticide moves away from the intended application site. This can result in unintended exposure to non-target areas, including residential zones, sensitive crops, and water bodies, potentially causing harm to the environment and human health.

Most regulations and best practices recommend that pesticides should only be applied when wind conditions are suitable, typically defined as being below 10 mph, to minimize drift and ensure that the application is effective and safe. This guideline helps to protect non-target organisms and the integrity of the area surrounding the application site. While some exceptions can exist in specific situations, they typically do not include general pesticide application when wind speeds exceed this threshold.