What is the primary function of agitators in pesticide sprayers?

The primary function of agitators in pesticide sprayers is to keep the spray material uniformly mixed. This is crucial because pesticide solutions can separate or settle if left undisturbed, leading to inconsistent application rates and potentially ineffective pest control. Agitation ensures that the active ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, which is essential for achieving the desired concentration when the solution is sprayed.

Uniform mixing is particularly important when dealing with products that have multiple components, as some ingredients may be heavier or lighter than others and could separate over time. Agitators help maintain a homogenous mixture, ensuring that each application delivers consistent dosing of pesticides, thereby maximizing efficacy and minimizing the risk of pesticide resistance among pest populations.

While filtering foreign materials, controlling pressure, and determining nozzle patterns are important functions in the operation of sprayers, they do not address the fundamental need to maintain a consistent mixture of the pesticide solution, which underscores the primary role of agitators.