What environmental factor can affect pesticide effectiveness?

Weather conditions such as rain or wind significantly influence pesticide effectiveness. When applied, pesticides can be dispersed or washed away by rain, which can dilute their concentration and reduce their efficacy. Wind can cause drift, carrying pesticides away from the intended application area, thus decreasing the targeted pest control and potentially affecting non-target areas or beneficial organisms. Therefore, timing applications around favorable weather conditions is essential for maximizing the effectiveness of pesticides.

Other factors like soil type can influence the absorption and movement of pesticides in the soil, the presence of beneficial insects indicates ecological aspects, and the application time of day relates to the behavior of pests and the environment but are secondary compared to how immediate weather changes can impact the application and effectiveness of pest control measures.