What precaution can be taken to protect beneficial insects during pesticide application?

Avoiding flowering plants during pesticide application is crucial in protecting beneficial insects. Many beneficial insects, such as bees and butterflies, are attracted to flowering plants for nectar and pollen. When pesticides are applied to or near these plants, there is a high risk that beneficial insects may come into contact with the chemicals, leading to their harm or death. By steering clear of flowering plants during application, you create a safer environment for these vital pollinators and other beneficial insects, allowing them to thrive and continue their important roles in the ecosystem.

In contrast, while other options mention methods that seem like they could reduce risk, such as applying pesticides at night or on calm days, these do not specifically address the direct threat to beneficial insects. Using high-volume applications is likely to increase the amount of pesticide entering the environment, further elevating risks to non-target organisms. Thus, the best precaution to minimize impact on beneficial insects is to avoid flowering plants altogether during pesticide applications.