What does "spot treatment" refer to in pesticide application?

Spot treatment in pesticide application specifically refers to the method of applying pesticides to small, discrete areas rather than on a broad scale. This approach is particularly useful for addressing specific pest infestations without affecting surrounding areas. It promotes targeted treatment, which can be more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. By concentrating the pesticide only where it is necessary, spot treatments minimize the potential for chemical runoff and the impact on non-target organisms.

This method is often employed in scenarios where pest populations are localized, such as treating individual weeds in a garden bed or addressing insect infestations on particular plants. By tailoring the application to specific spots, it reduces the overall volume of pesticide used and the associated risks to beneficial organisms or the ecosystem as a whole.