Texas Pesticide Applicator General
Study Guide Questions and Answers |
Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct &
Verified
Why is it important to read the pesticide label before application?
✔✔The label provides legal instructions, safety precautions, and proper usage
What does PPE stand for in pesticide application?
✔✔Personal Protective Equipment
Why should pesticides be stored in their original containers?
✔✔To prevent accidental misuse and ensure label instructions are available
What is the definition of a pesticide?
✔✔Any substance used to prevent, destroy, or control pests
Why is it important to calibrate pesticide equipment?
✔✔To ensure the correct amount of pesticide is applied
What is the main route of pesticide exposure for humans?
✔✔Skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion
1
,Why is water quality important when mixing pesticides?
✔✔Poor water quality can reduce effectiveness or damage equipment
What does the term “residual activity” mean in pesticides?
✔✔The length of time a pesticide continues to control pests after application
Why should applicators avoid spraying on windy days?
✔✔To prevent drift and accidental exposure to non-target areas
What is an integrated pest management (IPM) approach?
✔✔Combining multiple methods to control pests in the most effective and least harmful way
What is the primary environmental concern with pesticide use?
✔✔Contamination of water, soil, and non-target organisms
Why should applicators record each pesticide application?
✔✔For legal compliance, safety, and tracking effectiveness
What does the term “label signal word” indicate?
✔✔The level of toxicity of the pesticide
What is the first step if a pesticide spills on skin?
2
,✔✔Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin immediately with water
Why should pesticides never be stored near food or feed?
✔✔To prevent accidental contamination and poisoning
What is the role of surfactants in pesticide applications?
✔✔They improve spreading, sticking, and penetration of the pesticide
Why is it important to wash hands after handling pesticides?
✔✔To prevent accidental ingestion or skin absorption
What is the difference between a contact pesticide and a systemic pesticide?
✔✔Contact pesticides kill pests on contact, while systemic pesticides are absorbed and
transported within the plant
Why is wind speed measured before spraying?
✔✔To minimize drift and ensure accurate application
What is the purpose of buffer zones during pesticide application?
✔✔To protect sensitive areas such as water bodies, wildlife habitats, or neighboring properties
Why should applicators wear gloves when handling pesticides?
3
, ✔✔To prevent skin absorption and chemical burns
What is a herbicide?
✔✔A pesticide used to control or kill unwanted plants
What is the difference between acute and chronic pesticide exposure?
✔✔Acute is short-term and often severe; chronic is long-term and may cause subtle health
effects
Why is proper disposal of pesticide containers important?
✔✔To prevent environmental contamination and comply with regulations
What is a pesticide label ingredient statement?
✔✔It lists the active and inert ingredients in the product
Why should applicators avoid eating or drinking while handling pesticides?
✔✔To prevent accidental ingestion and poisoning
What is the meaning of “target pest”?
✔✔The specific pest that the pesticide is intended to control
Why should applicators inspect equipment before each use?
4
Study Guide Questions and Answers |
Latest Version | 2025/2026 | Correct &
Verified
Why is it important to read the pesticide label before application?
✔✔The label provides legal instructions, safety precautions, and proper usage
What does PPE stand for in pesticide application?
✔✔Personal Protective Equipment
Why should pesticides be stored in their original containers?
✔✔To prevent accidental misuse and ensure label instructions are available
What is the definition of a pesticide?
✔✔Any substance used to prevent, destroy, or control pests
Why is it important to calibrate pesticide equipment?
✔✔To ensure the correct amount of pesticide is applied
What is the main route of pesticide exposure for humans?
✔✔Skin contact, inhalation, and ingestion
1
,Why is water quality important when mixing pesticides?
✔✔Poor water quality can reduce effectiveness or damage equipment
What does the term “residual activity” mean in pesticides?
✔✔The length of time a pesticide continues to control pests after application
Why should applicators avoid spraying on windy days?
✔✔To prevent drift and accidental exposure to non-target areas
What is an integrated pest management (IPM) approach?
✔✔Combining multiple methods to control pests in the most effective and least harmful way
What is the primary environmental concern with pesticide use?
✔✔Contamination of water, soil, and non-target organisms
Why should applicators record each pesticide application?
✔✔For legal compliance, safety, and tracking effectiveness
What does the term “label signal word” indicate?
✔✔The level of toxicity of the pesticide
What is the first step if a pesticide spills on skin?
2
,✔✔Remove contaminated clothing and rinse skin immediately with water
Why should pesticides never be stored near food or feed?
✔✔To prevent accidental contamination and poisoning
What is the role of surfactants in pesticide applications?
✔✔They improve spreading, sticking, and penetration of the pesticide
Why is it important to wash hands after handling pesticides?
✔✔To prevent accidental ingestion or skin absorption
What is the difference between a contact pesticide and a systemic pesticide?
✔✔Contact pesticides kill pests on contact, while systemic pesticides are absorbed and
transported within the plant
Why is wind speed measured before spraying?
✔✔To minimize drift and ensure accurate application
What is the purpose of buffer zones during pesticide application?
✔✔To protect sensitive areas such as water bodies, wildlife habitats, or neighboring properties
Why should applicators wear gloves when handling pesticides?
3
, ✔✔To prevent skin absorption and chemical burns
What is a herbicide?
✔✔A pesticide used to control or kill unwanted plants
What is the difference between acute and chronic pesticide exposure?
✔✔Acute is short-term and often severe; chronic is long-term and may cause subtle health
effects
Why is proper disposal of pesticide containers important?
✔✔To prevent environmental contamination and comply with regulations
What is a pesticide label ingredient statement?
✔✔It lists the active and inert ingredients in the product
Why should applicators avoid eating or drinking while handling pesticides?
✔✔To prevent accidental ingestion and poisoning
What is the meaning of “target pest”?
✔✔The specific pest that the pesticide is intended to control
Why should applicators inspect equipment before each use?
4
