What wind speed is advised when applying a pesticide to minimize exposure to bees?

• A. Less than 5 mph
• B. Less than 9 mph
• C. Less than 15 mph
• D. Any wind speed is acceptable

Answer: (B)

Drift control is key to protecting bees during pesticide applications. When wind carries spray droplets, bees nearby can be exposed even if the application is not on the flowers they’re visiting. The recommended wind speed to minimize this drift is less than 9 mph. That level keeps droplets closer to the target and reduces the chance they will drift onto blooming plants or into bee activity zones.

Winds under this threshold are preferable because they balance effective coverage with lower drift risk. Winds higher than 9 mph increase off-target movement, raising bee exposure significantly. Choosing a limit like under 9 mph reflects labeling and best-practice drift management. Options suggesting even calmer conditions or allowing much stronger winds aren’t necessary or safe, and saying any wind is acceptable would ignore the drift risk. Remember to follow the label, and consider additional steps like spraying when bees are less active and using drift-reducing equipment.