Texas Department of Agriculture
Pesticide Applicator's Study Guide
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the main purpose of a pesticide applicator license in Texas?
✔✔To ensure safe and legal use of pesticides
What is the first step before applying any pesticide?
✔✔Read and understand the product label
How should pesticides be stored?
✔✔In a locked, ventilated area away from food, feed, and children
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for handling pesticides?
✔✔Gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and respirator if specified on the label
What is the best way to prevent pesticide drift?
✔✔Apply pesticides in calm weather and use proper nozzle types
How should you dispose of empty pesticide containers?
✔✔Triple rinse and follow label disposal instructions
1
,Why is it important to calibrate pesticide application equipment?
✔✔To ensure the correct amount of pesticide is applied
What is the first thing to do if pesticide is spilled on the skin?
✔✔Wash immediately with soap and water
What is an active ingredient in a pesticide?
✔✔The chemical in the product that controls the target pest
How can pesticide exposure be minimized during application?
✔✔Use proper PPE and follow label directions
What is pesticide resistance?
✔✔When pests survive a pesticide that once controlled them
Why is it important to rotate pesticides with different modes of action?
✔✔To prevent or delay pest resistance
What is the purpose of an SDS (Safety Data Sheet)?
✔✔Provides detailed safety, handling, and first aid information for pesticides
What type of water should be used to mix pesticides?
2
,✔✔Clean water free of debris or contaminants
How should pesticides be applied near water bodies?
✔✔Follow label restrictions and avoid runoff or drift
What is the difference between selective and non-selective pesticides?
✔✔Selective targets specific pests; non-selective affects many organisms
Why is recordkeeping important for pesticide applications?
✔✔To document compliance, applications, and safety measures
How should you handle pesticide contaminated clothing?
✔✔Wash separately from other laundry before reuse
What is the main route of pesticide exposure to humans?
✔✔Skin contact
Why must pesticide labels be followed exactly?
✔✔They are legal documents specifying safe and effective use
How do weather conditions affect pesticide application?
✔✔Wind, temperature, and humidity can influence drift and effectiveness
3
, What is a restricted-use pesticide?
✔✔A pesticide that can only be applied by certified applicators
Why is it important to clean application equipment after use?
✔✔To prevent contamination and maintain proper functioning
What should you do if you accidentally inhale pesticide fumes?
✔✔Move to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms occur
How should pesticides be mixed to avoid chemical reactions?
✔✔Mix in the order specified on the label and avoid incompatible products
What is meant by the term “pre-harvest interval” (PHI)?
✔✔The minimum time between pesticide application and crop harvest
Why is it important to know the toxicity of a pesticide?
✔✔To select proper PPE and handle it safely
What is the purpose of buffer zones?
✔✔To protect sensitive areas from pesticide exposure
4
Pesticide Applicator's Study Guide
Questions and Answers | Latest
Version | 2025/2026 | Correct & Verified
What is the main purpose of a pesticide applicator license in Texas?
✔✔To ensure safe and legal use of pesticides
What is the first step before applying any pesticide?
✔✔Read and understand the product label
How should pesticides be stored?
✔✔In a locked, ventilated area away from food, feed, and children
What personal protective equipment (PPE) is required for handling pesticides?
✔✔Gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and respirator if specified on the label
What is the best way to prevent pesticide drift?
✔✔Apply pesticides in calm weather and use proper nozzle types
How should you dispose of empty pesticide containers?
✔✔Triple rinse and follow label disposal instructions
1
,Why is it important to calibrate pesticide application equipment?
✔✔To ensure the correct amount of pesticide is applied
What is the first thing to do if pesticide is spilled on the skin?
✔✔Wash immediately with soap and water
What is an active ingredient in a pesticide?
✔✔The chemical in the product that controls the target pest
How can pesticide exposure be minimized during application?
✔✔Use proper PPE and follow label directions
What is pesticide resistance?
✔✔When pests survive a pesticide that once controlled them
Why is it important to rotate pesticides with different modes of action?
✔✔To prevent or delay pest resistance
What is the purpose of an SDS (Safety Data Sheet)?
✔✔Provides detailed safety, handling, and first aid information for pesticides
What type of water should be used to mix pesticides?
2
,✔✔Clean water free of debris or contaminants
How should pesticides be applied near water bodies?
✔✔Follow label restrictions and avoid runoff or drift
What is the difference between selective and non-selective pesticides?
✔✔Selective targets specific pests; non-selective affects many organisms
Why is recordkeeping important for pesticide applications?
✔✔To document compliance, applications, and safety measures
How should you handle pesticide contaminated clothing?
✔✔Wash separately from other laundry before reuse
What is the main route of pesticide exposure to humans?
✔✔Skin contact
Why must pesticide labels be followed exactly?
✔✔They are legal documents specifying safe and effective use
How do weather conditions affect pesticide application?
✔✔Wind, temperature, and humidity can influence drift and effectiveness
3
, What is a restricted-use pesticide?
✔✔A pesticide that can only be applied by certified applicators
Why is it important to clean application equipment after use?
✔✔To prevent contamination and maintain proper functioning
What should you do if you accidentally inhale pesticide fumes?
✔✔Move to fresh air immediately and seek medical attention if symptoms occur
How should pesticides be mixed to avoid chemical reactions?
✔✔Mix in the order specified on the label and avoid incompatible products
What is meant by the term “pre-harvest interval” (PHI)?
✔✔The minimum time between pesticide application and crop harvest
Why is it important to know the toxicity of a pesticide?
✔✔To select proper PPE and handle it safely
What is the purpose of buffer zones?
✔✔To protect sensitive areas from pesticide exposure
4
