What should you avoid doing within 24 hours of applying pesticides?

Allowing rain or irrigation within 24 hours of applying pesticides is crucial because water can significantly affect the efficacy and safety of the pesticide application. If rain or irrigation occurs too soon after the application, it may wash away the pesticide before it has had the chance to bond with the target pests or be absorbed by the plants. This not only reduces the effectiveness of the pesticide but can also lead to environmental contamination if the pesticide runs off into unintended areas, such as water bodies.

Additionally, proper timing and weather conditions are essential for the application of pesticides to ensure they are effective and to minimize potential drift or runoff that could harm other plants, wildlife, or water sources.