Which of the following actions can help protect beneficial insects during pesticide application?

Timing applications to avoid peak activity of beneficial insects is essential in protecting these vital organisms during pesticide application. Beneficial insects, such as pollinators and natural predators of pests, have specific periods of activity, often influenced by factors like weather, time of day, and the life cycles of the insects. By scheduling pesticide applications when these beneficial insects are less active—often early in the morning or late in the evening—you reduce the likelihood of direct exposure to the pesticides.

Additionally, this practice aligns with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, which advocate for minimizing impacts on non-target species. By considering the activity patterns of beneficial insects, pesticide applicators can significantly lower the risk of harming these organisms, which play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance and pest control.

The other actions, such as increasing application volume, using harsher chemical combinations, or applying in windy conditions, would typically increase the potential for harm to beneficial insects and are generally not recommended for responsible pesticide application.