Wherever possible, a buffer zone should be left between a sprayed and unsprayed area. Farmers or pest control operators should prepare property plans as a means of communicating to others all the factors which need to be considered when applying chemicals on a property. The plan should identify houses and farm buildings, neighbouring properties, sensitive areas, roads and access points, public roads and public places, watercourses and storages, paddock boundaries, and powerlines and aerial hazards such as transmitter towers. The property plan is both a tool for communicating with neighbours and a management tool when spraying contractors are used or employees given directions. Farmers or pest control operators should communicate with neighbours to minimise drift problems and avoid conflict.
Some formulations are more volatile than others.
Low volatility formulations are preferable in areas where exposure to others nearby is possible, or where elevated temperatures may occur after spraying. Dust can ionise and suspend on a dry day, creating drift. Check wind speed and direction. Spraying should only take place when the breeze is blowing away from an area that may be at risk from drift. Equipment should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions and be the most appropriate for the task in hand, for the particular pesticide and target requirements.