When does off-target pesticide drift typically occur?

Off-target pesticide drift typically occurs at the time of pesticide application or soon thereafter due to various factors like wind speed, temperature, and droplet size. During application, pesticides can be aerosolized or carried away from the intended target area by environmental conditions, such as air currents. This immediate dispersal can lead to unintended exposure to nearby crops, water sources, or sensitive areas.

Understanding this timing is crucial for operators to implement appropriate measures to minimize drift during the application process and to follow best practices for timing applications based on weather conditions. This knowledge helps in protecting non-target organisms and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Other options suggest extended times for drift which can mislead operators about when to expect and mitigate drift effects.