To reduce pesticide drift, which of the following is recommended?

Spraying when wind speeds are below 10-12 mph is the recommended practice to reduce pesticide drift. Wind can carry pesticide particles away from the intended target area, potentially affecting non-target organisms and leading to environmental contamination. By choosing to spray when wind speeds are lower, applicators can ensure better control over where the pesticide is deposited, minimizing drift and increasing the efficiency of the application.

Other options present conditions that could lead to increased drift or reduced efficacy of pesticide applications. Spraying during high wind conditions is highly discouraged as it can widely disperse the pesticide, leading to significant drift. Spraying during rainy weather may lead to dilution or washing away of the pesticide before it can effectively adhere to the intended surfaces. Lastly, while spraying late at night might reduce the risk of drift due to calm conditions, it can present challenges related to visibility and application accuracy. Thus, timing the application when wind speeds are below specific thresholds is the most reliable method to minimize drift.