PA Pesticide Applicator Exam Core Info.
EXAM 2025 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Bioaccumulation - ANS The accumulation of a substance, such as a toxic chemical, in various
tissues of a living organism.
Biomagnification - ANS Accumulation of pollutants at successive levels of the food chain
abiotic factors - ANS natural control measures within the environment.
EX: climactic factors, air/water pollution, topographic features.
Biological Control - ANS The use of natural enemies to control pests.
EX: Predators, Parasites, Pathogens
Cultural Control - ANS These are Practices that reduce pest establishment, reproduction,
dispersal and survival.
EX: Mowing, irrigation, aeration, fertilization and sanitation.
Genetic control - ANS Making use of plant varieties that are naturally resistant to insect
feedings.
Mechanical/Physical control - ANS Kills a pest directly or makes its environment unsuitable
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EX: Rodent traps, deer fences, mulches, barriers
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, Regulatory control - ANS Removal of pests that cant be controlled at a local level. Utilizes
quarantines to prevent entry of pests at airports or ocean ports and can be used to remove
pests with government power. (i.e. draining standing water that provides breeding sites for
mosquitos.)
Mode of action - ANS How chemicals kill a pest
Site of action - ANS The specific biological system affected within the pest
Economic threshold - ANS The point at which the economic loss caused by pest damage
outweighs the cost of applying a pesticide.
(Treat pests when they pass the economic threshold)
Economic injury level - ANS the pest population density that causes losses equal to the cost
of control measures
Action threshold - ANS the predetermined level at which pest control is needed
Certified applicator - ANS A person qualified to apply or supervise the application of
restricted-use pesticides.
Private applicator - ANS A certified applicator who uses or supervises the use of any
restricted-use pesticide to produce an agricultural commodity.
Commercial applicator - ANS A certified applicator who uses or supervises the use of
pesticides for purposes other than those covered under a private applicator certification.
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Page
@COPYRIGHT BRAINBARTER 2025/2026
EXAM 2025 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Bioaccumulation - ANS The accumulation of a substance, such as a toxic chemical, in various
tissues of a living organism.
Biomagnification - ANS Accumulation of pollutants at successive levels of the food chain
abiotic factors - ANS natural control measures within the environment.
EX: climactic factors, air/water pollution, topographic features.
Biological Control - ANS The use of natural enemies to control pests.
EX: Predators, Parasites, Pathogens
Cultural Control - ANS These are Practices that reduce pest establishment, reproduction,
dispersal and survival.
EX: Mowing, irrigation, aeration, fertilization and sanitation.
Genetic control - ANS Making use of plant varieties that are naturally resistant to insect
feedings.
Mechanical/Physical control - ANS Kills a pest directly or makes its environment unsuitable
1
Page
EX: Rodent traps, deer fences, mulches, barriers
@COPYRIGHT BRAINBARTER 2025/2026
, Regulatory control - ANS Removal of pests that cant be controlled at a local level. Utilizes
quarantines to prevent entry of pests at airports or ocean ports and can be used to remove
pests with government power. (i.e. draining standing water that provides breeding sites for
mosquitos.)
Mode of action - ANS How chemicals kill a pest
Site of action - ANS The specific biological system affected within the pest
Economic threshold - ANS The point at which the economic loss caused by pest damage
outweighs the cost of applying a pesticide.
(Treat pests when they pass the economic threshold)
Economic injury level - ANS the pest population density that causes losses equal to the cost
of control measures
Action threshold - ANS the predetermined level at which pest control is needed
Certified applicator - ANS A person qualified to apply or supervise the application of
restricted-use pesticides.
Private applicator - ANS A certified applicator who uses or supervises the use of any
restricted-use pesticide to produce an agricultural commodity.
Commercial applicator - ANS A certified applicator who uses or supervises the use of
pesticides for purposes other than those covered under a private applicator certification.
2
Page
@COPYRIGHT BRAINBARTER 2025/2026
