Hello Gardeners, I’m Amanda McNulty with Clemson Extension and Making It Grow. Extension Agent Tony Melton and others always remind us to read the label before applying pesticides. Among the directions often listed are warnings about spraying when it is windy or very hot. These conditions can lead to pesticide drift – the product getting on plants that weren’t the intended target.
If you suspect a pesticide applied near you caused damage on your property, there is an established procedure to follow. Clemson’s Department of Pesticide Regulation has special trained investigators who can use scientific procedures to determine if a plant has been affected by a pesticide. Your local Extension office can put you in touch with the investigator in your area. To learn how to minimize pesticide drift on your part, check out the National Pesticide Information Center, which gives research-based information on all topics related to that subject.
