South Carolina Category 1 —
Agricultural Pest Control Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
A. Eradicate all pests
B. Use only chemical pesticides
C. Manage pests at acceptable levels using multiple strategies
D. Eliminate beneficial organisms
IPM focuses on long-term prevention and control using a
combination of techniques while minimizing risks.
2. Which pest type feeds on plant sap and can transmit diseases?
A. Chewing insects
B. Soil nematodes
C. Piercing-sucking insects
D. Fungi
, Piercing-sucking insects like aphids and whiteflies damage plants and
spread pathogens.
3. What does the term "economic threshold" refer to?
A. Cost of pesticide application
B. Maximum pest population
C. Pest level at which control action should be taken
D. Minimum crop yield
It indicates the pest density at which action is needed to prevent
economic damage.
4. Which pesticide formulation is ready to use without mixing?
A. Wettable powder
B. Emulsifiable concentrate
C. Ready-to-use (RTU)
D. Soluble powder
RTU products require no dilution and are convenient for direct
application.
5. What is the primary route of pesticide exposure for applicators?
A. Inhalation
B. Ingestion
C. Eye contact
D. Dermal absorption
Most pesticide exposure occurs through the skin during handling and
application.
, 6. Which factor affects pesticide drift the most?
A. Soil pH
B. Crop height
C. Wind speed
D. Humidity
Wind speed significantly influences how far pesticides can move off-
target.
7. What is the purpose of a buffer zone?
A. Increase crop yield
B. Improve pesticide effectiveness
C. Protect sensitive areas from pesticide exposure
D. Store equipment
Buffer zones reduce risk to water bodies, wildlife, and people.
8. Which pest control method uses natural enemies?
A. Chemical control
B. Mechanical control
C. Biological control
D. Cultural control
Biological control involves predators, parasites, or pathogens.
9. What is a systemic pesticide?
A. Stays on plant surface
B. Only affects soil pests
C. Absorbed and moves within the plant
Agricultural Pest Control Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026
Q&A | Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
A. Eradicate all pests
B. Use only chemical pesticides
C. Manage pests at acceptable levels using multiple strategies
D. Eliminate beneficial organisms
IPM focuses on long-term prevention and control using a
combination of techniques while minimizing risks.
2. Which pest type feeds on plant sap and can transmit diseases?
A. Chewing insects
B. Soil nematodes
C. Piercing-sucking insects
D. Fungi
, Piercing-sucking insects like aphids and whiteflies damage plants and
spread pathogens.
3. What does the term "economic threshold" refer to?
A. Cost of pesticide application
B. Maximum pest population
C. Pest level at which control action should be taken
D. Minimum crop yield
It indicates the pest density at which action is needed to prevent
economic damage.
4. Which pesticide formulation is ready to use without mixing?
A. Wettable powder
B. Emulsifiable concentrate
C. Ready-to-use (RTU)
D. Soluble powder
RTU products require no dilution and are convenient for direct
application.
5. What is the primary route of pesticide exposure for applicators?
A. Inhalation
B. Ingestion
C. Eye contact
D. Dermal absorption
Most pesticide exposure occurs through the skin during handling and
application.
, 6. Which factor affects pesticide drift the most?
A. Soil pH
B. Crop height
C. Wind speed
D. Humidity
Wind speed significantly influences how far pesticides can move off-
target.
7. What is the purpose of a buffer zone?
A. Increase crop yield
B. Improve pesticide effectiveness
C. Protect sensitive areas from pesticide exposure
D. Store equipment
Buffer zones reduce risk to water bodies, wildlife, and people.
8. Which pest control method uses natural enemies?
A. Chemical control
B. Mechanical control
C. Biological control
D. Cultural control
Biological control involves predators, parasites, or pathogens.
9. What is a systemic pesticide?
A. Stays on plant surface
B. Only affects soil pests
C. Absorbed and moves within the plant
