Texas Department of Agriculture Pesticide
Applicator's study guide Comprehensive
Questions & Verified Answers
Complete Description
This Exam Covers Structural Pest Control Service (SPCS) via
the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), tests knowledge of
inspecting and controlling termites and other wood -destroying
organisms (WDOs) using methods other than fumigation,
covering biology, identification (like subterranean/Formosan
termites), application techniques, regulations, and safety,
requiring pre-qualification, training (20 hrs general, 8 hrs WDO
category), and passing the exam. The Ultimate Guide for Yr.
2026/2027
Quiz_________________?
Define IPM -
Answer
1. a pest population management system that anticipates and prevents
pests from causing damage.
2. an ecological approach to pest control.
Quiz_________________?
Components of IPM -
Answer
1
, 1. Pest identification
2. Monitoring
3. Use of natural enemies (biological control)
4. Pest-resistant plants
5. Cultural and structural changes
6. Judicious use of least toxic pesticides
Quiz_________________?
Intent of IPM -
Answer
To use tactics that include pesticide alternatives that reduce the total
amount of pesticide chemicals used thereby lessening the opportunity
for pests to develop resistance.
Quiz_________________?
How is a pesticide defined by law? -
Answer
Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing,
destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest, and any substance intended
for use as a plant growth regulator, defoliant or desiccant.
2
, Quiz_________________?
Which state and federal agencies register pesticides? -
Answer
Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Quiz_________________?
What is the federal law that regulates the sale and use of pesticides? -
Answer
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
Quiz_________________?
What is a state-limited-use pesticide? -
Answer
A pesticide or pesticide use on which additional restrictions are placed
by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Quiz_________________?
As defined by law, what is a private pesticide applicator? -
Answer
3
, A person who uses or supervises the use of a restricted-use or state-
limited use pesticide or a regulated herbicide for the purpose producing
an agricultural commodity.
Quiz_________________?
When supervising pesticide use, must the private applicator be
physically present? Is the applicator responsible for actions of the
supervised workers? -
Answer
The applicator need not be physically present, unless required by the
label or other conditions of use, but must be available if and when
needed. The licensed applicator and the supervised person may keep in
touch by phone, radio, etc. The applicator is responsible for actions of
individuals being supervised.
Quiz_________________?
Who is responsible for assuring that any person working under the
licensee's direct supervision is knowledgeable of the label requirements
and rules and regulations governing the use of the particular pesticide
being used by the individual? -
Answer
The licensed applicator (may be private, commercial, or
noncommercial).
4
Applicator's study guide Comprehensive
Questions & Verified Answers
Complete Description
This Exam Covers Structural Pest Control Service (SPCS) via
the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), tests knowledge of
inspecting and controlling termites and other wood -destroying
organisms (WDOs) using methods other than fumigation,
covering biology, identification (like subterranean/Formosan
termites), application techniques, regulations, and safety,
requiring pre-qualification, training (20 hrs general, 8 hrs WDO
category), and passing the exam. The Ultimate Guide for Yr.
2026/2027
Quiz_________________?
Define IPM -
Answer
1. a pest population management system that anticipates and prevents
pests from causing damage.
2. an ecological approach to pest control.
Quiz_________________?
Components of IPM -
Answer
1
, 1. Pest identification
2. Monitoring
3. Use of natural enemies (biological control)
4. Pest-resistant plants
5. Cultural and structural changes
6. Judicious use of least toxic pesticides
Quiz_________________?
Intent of IPM -
Answer
To use tactics that include pesticide alternatives that reduce the total
amount of pesticide chemicals used thereby lessening the opportunity
for pests to develop resistance.
Quiz_________________?
How is a pesticide defined by law? -
Answer
Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing,
destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest, and any substance intended
for use as a plant growth regulator, defoliant or desiccant.
2
, Quiz_________________?
Which state and federal agencies register pesticides? -
Answer
Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Quiz_________________?
What is the federal law that regulates the sale and use of pesticides? -
Answer
The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA)
Quiz_________________?
What is a state-limited-use pesticide? -
Answer
A pesticide or pesticide use on which additional restrictions are placed
by the Texas Department of Agriculture.
Quiz_________________?
As defined by law, what is a private pesticide applicator? -
Answer
3
, A person who uses or supervises the use of a restricted-use or state-
limited use pesticide or a regulated herbicide for the purpose producing
an agricultural commodity.
Quiz_________________?
When supervising pesticide use, must the private applicator be
physically present? Is the applicator responsible for actions of the
supervised workers? -
Answer
The applicator need not be physically present, unless required by the
label or other conditions of use, but must be available if and when
needed. The licensed applicator and the supervised person may keep in
touch by phone, radio, etc. The applicator is responsible for actions of
individuals being supervised.
Quiz_________________?
Who is responsible for assuring that any person working under the
licensee's direct supervision is knowledgeable of the label requirements
and rules and regulations governing the use of the particular pesticide
being used by the individual? -
Answer
The licensed applicator (may be private, commercial, or
noncommercial).
4
