What is a disadvantage of using dust for pest control?

The use of dust for pest control presents the disadvantage of drift, which refers to the tendency of the dust to be carried away by air currents. This can lead to unintended exposure of non-target areas, potentially affecting beneficial organisms, or causing contamination in regions where pest control was not intended. The drift can reduce the efficacy of the treatment in the target area, as the active ingredients may not settle where they need to be to effectively control the pest population.

In contrast, while dust can sometimes be a more expensive option or may leave visible stains, these factors tend to be less critical compared to the issue of drift, which can significantly impact both the effectiveness of the pest management strategy and the environment. Additionally, although dust can be effective when applied correctly, the challenge of controlling where it settles is a unique concern that enhances the risk associated with its application.