Pesticide Applicator Core Questions and
Answers Latest Version Already Passed
What is the primary purpose of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when applying
pesticides?
✔✔To reduce the risk of pesticide exposure to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
How can you determine the proper PPE required for a pesticide application?
✔✔Read the pesticide label, which lists the specific PPE required for safe handling and use.
Why is it important to calibrate pesticide application equipment regularly?
✔✔To ensure the correct amount of pesticide is applied, avoiding over- or under-application.
How should pesticides be stored to ensure safety?
✔✔Store pesticides in a locked, labeled, and well-ventilated area away from food, feed, and
children.
What should you do if pesticide gets on your skin during application?
✔✔Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash the affected area with soap and water.
1
,Why is wind speed important when applying pesticides outdoors?
✔✔High wind can cause pesticide drift, which may affect non-target areas and organisms.
What does the signal word "Danger" on a pesticide label indicate?
✔✔It indicates the pesticide is highly toxic and requires the highest level of precaution.
What is the function of the EPA registration number on a pesticide label?
✔✔It identifies that the product has been reviewed and approved by the Environmental
Protection Agency.
How can pesticide drift be minimized during application?
✔✔Use low-pressure nozzles, apply when wind is calm, and keep the spray boom close to the
target.
What should you do with leftover pesticide in a sprayer after application?
✔✔Rinse the equipment three times and dispose of rinse water according to label directions.
2
,How do you dispose of an empty pesticide container properly?
✔✔Triple rinse the container, puncture it, and dispose of it in accordance with local regulations.
What is the purpose of the re-entry interval (REI) listed on a pesticide label?
✔✔It specifies the amount of time that must pass before people can safely enter a treated area
without PPE.
Why is it important to keep pesticide application records?
✔✔Records help ensure compliance with laws and provide a history in case of drift complaints
or health issues.
What should you do if you suspect someone has been poisoned by pesticides?
✔✔Call emergency services and follow the first aid instructions listed on the pesticide label.
How should you respond to a pesticide spill on a hard surface?
✔✔Control the spill, contain it with absorbent materials, clean the area, and dispose of waste
properly.
3
, What is pesticide resistance and why is it a concern?
✔✔Pesticide resistance occurs when pests survive treatments and reproduce, making future
control harder.
How can you delay pesticide resistance?
✔✔Rotate pesticides with different modes of action and avoid overusing any one product.
Why is it important to identify the target pest before applying a pesticide?
✔✔To ensure the selected pesticide will be effective and minimize harm to non-target species.
What does the term “restricted use pesticide” mean?
✔✔It refers to pesticides that can only be applied by certified applicators due to potential risks to
humans or the environment.
How often should pesticide applicators renew their certification?
✔✔According to local regulations, typically every 3 to 5 years, often requiring continuing
education.
4
Answers Latest Version Already Passed
What is the primary purpose of wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when applying
pesticides?
✔✔To reduce the risk of pesticide exposure to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system.
How can you determine the proper PPE required for a pesticide application?
✔✔Read the pesticide label, which lists the specific PPE required for safe handling and use.
Why is it important to calibrate pesticide application equipment regularly?
✔✔To ensure the correct amount of pesticide is applied, avoiding over- or under-application.
How should pesticides be stored to ensure safety?
✔✔Store pesticides in a locked, labeled, and well-ventilated area away from food, feed, and
children.
What should you do if pesticide gets on your skin during application?
✔✔Remove contaminated clothing immediately and wash the affected area with soap and water.
1
,Why is wind speed important when applying pesticides outdoors?
✔✔High wind can cause pesticide drift, which may affect non-target areas and organisms.
What does the signal word "Danger" on a pesticide label indicate?
✔✔It indicates the pesticide is highly toxic and requires the highest level of precaution.
What is the function of the EPA registration number on a pesticide label?
✔✔It identifies that the product has been reviewed and approved by the Environmental
Protection Agency.
How can pesticide drift be minimized during application?
✔✔Use low-pressure nozzles, apply when wind is calm, and keep the spray boom close to the
target.
What should you do with leftover pesticide in a sprayer after application?
✔✔Rinse the equipment three times and dispose of rinse water according to label directions.
2
,How do you dispose of an empty pesticide container properly?
✔✔Triple rinse the container, puncture it, and dispose of it in accordance with local regulations.
What is the purpose of the re-entry interval (REI) listed on a pesticide label?
✔✔It specifies the amount of time that must pass before people can safely enter a treated area
without PPE.
Why is it important to keep pesticide application records?
✔✔Records help ensure compliance with laws and provide a history in case of drift complaints
or health issues.
What should you do if you suspect someone has been poisoned by pesticides?
✔✔Call emergency services and follow the first aid instructions listed on the pesticide label.
How should you respond to a pesticide spill on a hard surface?
✔✔Control the spill, contain it with absorbent materials, clean the area, and dispose of waste
properly.
3
, What is pesticide resistance and why is it a concern?
✔✔Pesticide resistance occurs when pests survive treatments and reproduce, making future
control harder.
How can you delay pesticide resistance?
✔✔Rotate pesticides with different modes of action and avoid overusing any one product.
Why is it important to identify the target pest before applying a pesticide?
✔✔To ensure the selected pesticide will be effective and minimize harm to non-target species.
What does the term “restricted use pesticide” mean?
✔✔It refers to pesticides that can only be applied by certified applicators due to potential risks to
humans or the environment.
How often should pesticide applicators renew their certification?
✔✔According to local regulations, typically every 3 to 5 years, often requiring continuing
education.
4
