What is a major problem associated with dust formulations?

A major problem associated with dust formulations is drifting during application. Dust pesticides can easily become airborne due to their fine particulate nature. This characteristic allows them to be carried by wind or air currents, which can lead to unintended exposure of non-target areas or organisms, as well as a loss of product efficacy. Proper technique and weather conditions are critical to minimize drifting, as practitioners need to ensure that the application doesn't compromise the safety or effectiveness of the treatment.

Other considerations, such as toxicity to pets and the need for special application equipment, are important in pest control but do not fundamentally characterize the inherent challenge posed by dust formulations. Similarly, while residual action is a factor in the efficacy of pest control products, it does not directly relate to a specific problem associated with the application method of dusts.