What is the primary disadvantage of using pesticide dust?

The primary disadvantage of using pesticide dust is its tendency to drift. This characteristic can lead to several issues in application and effectiveness. When pesticide dust is applied, it can easily be carried away by wind, potentially affecting areas beyond the intended target. This drift can result in unintentional exposure to non-target organisms, including beneficial insects and nearby plants, leading to environmental concerns and negatively impacting non-target insect populations. Moreover, drifting dust can create legal and regulatory challenges, as it may defy local pesticide application regulations designed to protect sensitive areas.

In contrast, while some of the other options might describe challenges associated with pesticide use, they do not capture the significant implications of drifting dust, which can compromise both safety and efficacy in pest control.