Overspray is defined as which of the following?

• A. Overspray is the direct application of pesticides beyond the boundaries of the target area.
• B. Drift is the direct application of pesticides beyond the boundaries of the target area.
• C. Overspray is the movement of pesticides in air currents onto off-target property.
• D. Drift is the movement of pesticides into the water supply.

Answer: (A)

Overspray describes the part of the pesticide application that lands beyond the boundaries of the target area. It happens when you apply more product or extend the spray beyond the intended limit, so deposition occurs outside where you meant to treat. Drift is the movement of spray in air currents to off-target areas, which can occur even if you stay within the target boundary, and is influenced by wind, droplet size, nozzle type, and other factors. The option that says overspray is the direct application beyond the target boundaries matches this idea, while describing drift as direct boundary crossing or overspray as air movement would mix up the concepts. The statement about drift into the water supply is overly narrow and not the standard definition.