Virginia Commercial Pesticide Applicators CORE Exam

Which of the following is an advantage of granule and pellet formulations?

1. High risk of skin absorption

2. High cost per unit

3. Low drift hazard due to large particle size

4. Requires significant agitation

The correct answer is: Low drift hazard due to large particle size

Granule and pellet formulations are advantageous primarily because of their low drift hazard, which is a result of their larger particle size. When these formulations are applied, the larger granules or pellets tend to settle more quickly to the ground, minimizing the potential for airborne particles that could drift away from the target area. This characteristic makes them particularly useful in applications where precision and safety are critical, as it helps prevent unintended exposure to non-target organisms and environments. This advantage also contributes to environmental safety, since reduced drift means a lower likelihood of contamination of nearby plants, water sources, or beneficial insect populations. Overall, the use of granule and pellet formulations can lead to more effective pest control with a lower risk of off-target effects.