Experience

New to agricultural drones and not sure where to start? This comprehensive guide shares real-world experiences on how to effectively use pest control drones, including equipment selection, flight planning, safe operation, and proper maintenance for long-term efficiency.

WHAT IS A PEST CONTROL DRONE

Definition and Operating Principles

A pest control drone-also known as an agricultural spraying drone-is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to automatically or semi-automatically spray pesticides or fertilizers on crops.
These drones use propellers to generate lift, GPS systems for mapping and navigation, and high-pressure nozzles for precise spraying. Integrated sensors and AI technology ensure even distribution and accurate application.

Common Types of Agricultural Drones

• DJI Agras drones (e.g., T20P, T40, T10)
• Locally developed drones from agricultural research institutes
• DIY drones with basic control systems

Differences From Traditional Manual Spraying

Criteria	Drone Spraying	Manual Spraying
Precision	High, adjustable flow rate	Inaccurate dosage
Labor Requirement	1 operator	3–4 workers
Time Efficiency	5–10 times faster	Slow and labor-intensive
Health Safety	No direct chemical contact	High risk of chemical exposure

BENEFITS OF USING PEST CONTROL DRONES

Cost and Labor Savings

Using spraying drones can reduce labor by up to 90% compared to manual methods. A single drone can replace 4–6 workers per shift, ideal for large or hard-to-reach fields.

Enhanced Coverage and Efficiency

GPS-guided routes ensure consistent spraying without overlap or omission. Stable altitude improves chemical adherence to leaves, reducing environmental drift.

Better Health Protection

Operators avoid direct exposure to toxic substances and inhalation of fumes-common hazards in manual spraying.

Advanced Tech Integration

Modern drones feature terrain-following sensors, obstacle-avoidance radar, and AI-based crop recognition to optimize dosage and accuracy at the row level.

COMMON MISTAKES WHEN OPERATING SPRAYING DRONES

Incorrect Dosage or Flight Height Settings

Beginners often set flow rates too low or fly too high, reducing spray efficiency. Recommended altitude: 2.5–3.5 meters above crops, depending on type.

Ignoring Weather Conditions

Flying in high winds or rain can cause drift or poor pesticide adhesion. Only operate in dry weather with wind speeds under 5 m/s.

Skipping Terrain Mapping

Each field requires custom flight maps. Inaccurate mapping may lead to spraying off-target, causing significant losses.

Using Incompatible Chemicals

Not all pesticides suit drone spraying. Use fine-particle, low-foam, low-residue formulations to avoid nozzle clogs and equipment damage.

EXPERT TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE DRONE SPRAYING

Choosing the Right Drone by Farm Size

• Under 5ha: DJI T10, T20P - compact, easy to use, great for small farms
• 5–15ha: DJI T25, T30 - stable performance, ideal for medium farms
• 15–30ha: DJI T40 - smart sensors, FPV camera, fit for cooperatives
• Over 30ha: DJI T50 or similar - large tank, fast battery swap, multi-band RTK mapping

Dji Agras T50

Smart Seasonal Flight Planning

• Peak pest seasons: increase flight frequency
• Rice/crop cycles: fly early mornings with low wind
• Each area: configure custom speed, pressure, and maps

Adjusting for Wind Speed and Spray Volume

Set average flight speed to 4–6 m/s and flow rate to 4–6 L/min based on crop type. Reduce speed in strong winds to maintain spray accuracy.

Pre-Flight Safety Checks

• Fully charge balanced batteries
• Test GPS and no-fly zones (NFZs)
• Inspect nozzles, valves, and preset flow
• Avoid power lines, residential areas, or flying in bad weather

MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING AFTER USE

Nozzle and Pipe Cleaning After Each Flight

Residual chemicals can corrode or block nozzles. Clean thoroughly to maintain performance.

Basic procedure:

• Drain all leftover chemicals
• Flush pipes and nozzles with clean water (or DJI's cleaning solution)
• Wipe with a soft cloth
  Note: Avoid harsh chemicals or stiff brushes.

Proper Battery Charging and Storage

LiPo drone batteries require careful handling:

• Use official chargers; never charge hot batteries
• Avoid storing under 10% charge
• Keep in dry, cool (15–25°C) environments
• Discharge to 40–60% if unused for 7+ days

Correct care prolongs battery life and reduces fire risks.

Firmware and Software Updates

Smart drones like DJI Agras use integrated OS platforms. For best performance:

• Check DJI Agras/MG/GS Pro apps weekly
• Update firmware regularly
• Backup flight data and terrain maps
• Recalibrate settings if errors occur or after hardware upgrades

Regular Servicing at DJI Certified Centers

Every 3–6 months, take your drone for professional inspection:

• Test motors, GPS, radar, sensors
• Calibrate internal software
• Clean and inspect propellers, nozzles
• Replace worn components if needed

SHOULD YOU INVEST IN A SPRAYING DRONE

Best for Large Farms and Cooperatives

Ideal for:

• Farms over 5ha
• Agricultural cooperatives
• High-tech agribusinesses
  Large-scale use allows quick ROI by saving labor and increasing yield.

Cost Comparison: Buy vs Hire

Category	Own Drone	Hire Service
Initial Cost	High (VND 150–300M)	No investment needed
Long-term Cost	Low, full control	Pay-per-hectare, vendor-dependent
Flexibility	High, on-demand spraying	Schedule dependent

Over 3 years, owning can cut costs by 30–50%, especially with full-capacity use.

Drone Comparison Table

Model	Tank Size	Coverage/hr	Best for	Highlights
DJI T10	10L	~5–7ha	Small farms	Lightweight, low cost, easy to fly
DJI T20P	20L	~10–12ha	Upgrading farms	Terrain sensor, precise control
DJI T25	25L	~12–15ha	Medium farms	Radar, FPV camera, optimized performance
DJI T30	30L	~15–20ha	Medium farms	High-volume spraying, obstacle avoidance
DJI T40	40L	~20–30ha	Cooperatives	AI crop ID, multi-band RTK positioning
DJI T50	50L	~30–40ha	Large farms	Large tank, fast swap, omni radar
DIY Vietnam Drones	15–20L	~6–10ha	Budget farms	Low price, limited AI, build-dependent

WHERE TO BUY RELIABLE SPRAYING DRONES

Best-Selling Models in Vietnam

According to DJI Vietnam dealers, the top-selling models are:

• DJI Agras T10: ideal for small-scale use
• DJI T20P: flexible, high performance
• DJI T40: preferred by large farms and cooperatives

Official Dealer vs Small Distributors

Why choose an authorized DJI dealer?

• Verified origin and documentation
• Tech support for setup and training
• Global-standard warranty

Smaller vendors may offer lower prices but carry higher risk for warranty and device issues.

Warranty and Training Included

With a DJI drone purchase, you receive:

• 12-month official warranty (motor, control units)
• Free flight training and setup support
• Usage manuals and account for software access

Using pest control drones isn’t complicated if you follow best practices and avoid common mistakes. The right investment, careful planning, and routine maintenance will help you cut costs and boost productivity in the long run.