Remember when spraying season was just a week or two in the spring?

With today’s technologies and options available for pest-management, your sprayer can be used throughout the growing season.

Timing and accuracy are essential to controlling pests, so a well-tuned sprayer is one of the most important tools on your farm.

Before the season starts, check the following areas of your sprayer:

1 Clean and inspect filters, and the seals around the filters. If they plug or leak, they’ll cause you grief later. Get in the habit of cleaning them frequently.

2 Make sure all fittings are tight, and that hoses are in good working condition. Check the pump and valves for leakage and repair where necessary. Filling the sprayer with water and doing a pressure check is the best way to make sure the sprayer is ready to go.

3 Make sure the wiring harnesses that control valves and flow meters are tied up correctly and are not damaged.

4 Examine the tank mounts and re-adjust the tank and/or straps to make sure the tank is secure and riding properly in the saddle.

5 Make sure the monitor is calibrated properly so you don’t have any surprises.

6 Do a nozzle output consistency test. Variation in nozzle output can cause over- and under-application across the width of the boom and can lead to pest-control failures.

The easiest way to do this test is buy a calibration bottle and follow these instructions:

• Thoroughly clean the sprayer and fill it…