Determining when to apply a pesticide includes considering the:

The selection of when to apply a pesticide is crucial for ensuring maximum effectiveness and minimal impact on the environment and non-target organisms. Considering the life cycle of the pest is important because different life stages may exhibit varying levels of susceptibility to pesticides. For instance, a pesticide may be more effective against the larval stage of an insect than its adult stage. Understanding the pest’s life cycle helps in timing the application for when the target organism is most vulnerable.

Weather conditions also play a significant role in the efficacy of pesticide applications. Factors such as temperature, humidity, and wind can affect how a pesticide interacts with the target pest and the environment. For example, applying a pesticide on a windy day can result in drift, causing the pesticide to move away from the intended area and potentially harming non-target species.

In contrast, factors such as the percent active ingredient, the need for additives or adjuvants, and the cost of the pesticide are essential considerations in the selection and formulation of the pesticide, but they do not directly influence the timing of application. These factors are more related to product efficacy, formulation quality, and economic considerations rather than the optimal timing for application based on the life cycle of the pest and current weather conditions.