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Iowa Applicator 11F Exam Questions and
Complete Solutions with Rationales
This exam covers general fumigation principles, safety, pest identification, labeling, equipment use, and Iowa regulations.
- What is the primary method of action for most fumigants? A. Contact poison B. Stomach poison C. Respiratory poison D. Repellent Fumigants work as respiratory poisons, disrupting cellular respiration once inhaled.
- Which of the following fumigants is most commonly used for stored product pests? A. Methyl bromide B. Phosphine C. Sulfur dioxide D. Aluminum nitrate Phosphine gas, released from aluminum or magnesium phosphide, is widely used for stored grain pest control.
- What is the primary safety concern when using phosphine gas?
A. Flammability B. Corrosiveness C. Staining D. Odor Phosphine is highly flammable and can ignite in air if concentrations become high enough.
- Which pest is most likely to be targeted in a grain bin fumigation? A. Housefly B. Termite C. Lesser grain borer D. Boll weevil Lesser grain borers and other stored-product insects are common grain bin pests.
- What must be done before re-entering a fumigated structure? A. Repaint the interior B. Restock food C. Aerate to below threshold levels D. Apply a follow-up pesticide Proper aeration is required to reduce fumigant concentration below safe levels before reentry.
- Which device is used to detect fumigant levels in the air? A. Thermocouple B. Gas detector
10.What is required by Iowa law before performing any fumigation? A. Verbal permission from a neighbor B. Only a driver’s license C. A valid pesticide applicator license D. Business insurance Iowa law requires a licensed applicator to perform or supervise fumigation activities. 11.How does temperature affect fumigation? A. Higher temps slow fumigant action B. Higher temps increase fumigant activity C. Lower temps increase volatility D. Temperature has no effect Fumigants diffuse more rapidly and effectively at higher temperatures. 12.When is the best time to conduct a grain bin fumigation? A. During freezing temperatures B. Immediately after harvest C. When grain temperature is above 60°F D. When humidity is high Optimal fumigant activity occurs when grain temperatures are above 60°F. 13.What is a major hazard of sulfuryl fluoride? A. Fire B. Asphyxiation
C. Corrosion D. Oxidation Sulfuryl fluoride is an odorless, colorless gas that can displace oxygen, causing asphyxiation. 14.What is required to ensure safety of non-target organisms during fumigation? A. Letting pets stay in the area B. Proper sealing and warning signage C. Mixing with other pesticides D. Application in windy weather Sealing prevents escape of gas; signage warns others to stay out during fumigation. 15.What personal protective equipment (PPE) is typically required for handling fumigants? A. Long sleeves and hat B. Respirator and chemical-resistant gloves C. Safety vest only D. Raincoat Fumigants require specialized PPE including respirators due to high inhalation risk. 16.Which agency regulates pesticide use in Iowa? A. USDA B. OSHA
A. Until treatment starts B. Until gas levels are below permissible exposure limit (PEL) C. For 12 hours D. For one week Warning signs remain until the area is tested and deemed safe for reentry. 21.What is a common indicator of fumigant gas presence? A. Color change B. Moisture detection C. Warning odor (added or natural) D. Weight increase Some fumigants have detectable odors; others require external indicators or detectors. 22.Why are fumigants typically used in enclosed areas? A. Cost B. Less odor C. To prevent gas loss D. To increase pressure Fumigation must occur in sealed spaces to ensure gas concentration remains lethal to pests. 23.How is dosage for fumigation typically expressed? A. Gallons per acre B. Pounds or ounces per 1,000 ft³
C. Liters per square foot D. Drops per minute Fumigant dosage is based on volume of space, usually in cubic feet. 24.What’s the risk of over-applying fumigants? A. Lower efficacy B. Safety hazards and legal violation C. Poor pest control D. Fungus growth Excessive fumigant use can pose severe health risks and violate label restrictions. 25.Which of the following is a restricted-use pesticide? A. Glyphosate B. Phosphine C. Neem oil D. Pyrethrin Phosphine is classified as restricted due to its high toxicity and flammability. 26.What must you always consult before applying any fumigant? A. MSDS sheet B. Pesticide label C. Applicator license D. Calibration manual
A. Aerating after fumigation B. Storing grain in sacks C. Recirculation of air D. Adding dust Air recirculation systems help spread the fumigant uniformly throughout stored products. 31.What is the major hazard of improper fumigant storage? A. Weight loss B. Accidental gas release C. Freeze damage D. Pest contamination Poor storage may expose materials to moisture, triggering unwanted gas release. 32.What should be done if a phosphine tablet is accidentally dropped? A. Pick up with bare hands B. Use gloves and dispose in airtight container C. Rinse it down the drain D. Leave it exposed to air Dropped phosphine tablets must be handled with PPE and contained immediately. 33.How should warning signs be placed during fumigation? A. On one side of structure B. At interior exits
C. At all entrances D. At least 50 ft away All potential points of entry must be marked with warning signs. 34.What happens to pests that survive sublethal fumigation? A. Grow faster B. Multiply more C. Develop resistance D. Die within hours Sublethal doses may lead to resistance over time. 35.Why are tarps used in fumigation? A. For decoration B. To reduce odor C. To seal the space D. To collect condensation Tarping helps create an airtight seal, improving fumigation effectiveness. 36.When fumigating a grain bin, where is the fumigant typically applied? A. On the roof B. Only at the base C. Throughout the grain mass D. Just on top Fumigant is placed throughout the grain to ensure uniform exposure. 37.What is one limitation of methyl bromide?
Sulfuryl fluoride is effective and doesn't leave harmful residues. 41.Why must fumigants be handled only by certified applicators? A. To keep costs down B. To sell more products C. Due to their extreme toxicity and regulatory requirements D. Because they are hard to mix Fumigants are dangerous and tightly regulated. Only trained, certified individuals may apply them. 42.Which is not an acceptable method of verifying safe reentry? A. Personal judgment B. Direct air sampling C. Gas detection tubes D. Monitoring devices Air must be sampled scientifically; visual cues or “gut feeling” are not valid methods. 43.What is a fumigation management plan (FMP)? A. Sales record B. A log of PPE purchases C. A site-specific document outlining safety and procedures D. Label for empty containers An FMP outlines the treatment area, target pests, safety plans, and application steps. 44.What happens if phosphine tablets get wet too early?
A. Longer fumigation B. Premature gas release C. Increased safety D. More effective results Early exposure to moisture causes uncontrolled gas release and potential hazard. 45.What color is the warning gas added to some fumigants? A. Red B. Yellow C. None – warning is by odor, not color D. Blue Some fumigants include odor warnings, not color changes. 46.What’s the difference between a fumigant and a contact insecticide? A. Fumigants are liquid B. Fumigants work as gases and kill via inhalation C. Contact insecticides must be eaten D. Contact insecticides only work outdoors Fumigants act in gas form, unlike contact insecticides which work by surface contact. 47.What should always be worn when checking a recently fumigated site? A. Sandals B. Lab coat
51.What is the legal classification of aluminum phosphide? A. General-use pesticide B. Experimental pesticide C. Restricted-use pesticide D. Non-pesticide It’s a restricted-use pesticide due to its extreme toxicity. 52.Who is responsible for ensuring the safety of bystanders during fumigation? A. Manufacturer B. Licensed applicator C. Fire department D. Farm owner The certified applicator bears legal responsibility for public and environmental safety. 53.What is one purpose of monitoring devices during fumigation? A. To increase air pressure B. To detect and measure gas concentrations C. To weigh the grain D. To record humidity Monitoring devices ensure proper dosage and confirm safe reentry levels. 54.What’s a disadvantage of fumigants? A. They smell nice B. No PPE required
C. No residual control D. Too cheap Fumigants dissipate quickly and do not provide long-term residual protection. 55.What kind of respirator is needed for fumigant application? A. Paper mask B. Full-face or supplied-air respirator C. Dust mask D. None Fumigants require specialized respirators approved for gas exposure. 56.What action should be taken if a sealed grain bin develops a leak during fumigation? A. Ignore it B. Reseal it immediately C. Finish and come back later D. Call neighbors Sealing the leak quickly helps maintain proper gas levels and prevents exposure. 57.What should you check before applying fumigants in a commercial structure? A. Business license B. Power bill C. Structure integrity and air system D. Employee payroll Check for proper sealing, ventilation controls, and safety system readiness.
C. Application rate and exposure time D. Technician's height Records must include dosage, time, date, location, and monitoring results. 62.Which practice helps reduce pesticide resistance? A. Overuse of one fumigant B. Rotating fumigants and integrated pest management C. Always using the same pesticide D. Ignoring pest resurgence Rotation and IPM strategies prevent resistance development. 63.What is one trait of fumigants that requires extra caution? A. Non-toxic to humans B. Pleasant smell C. Invisible and often odorless D. Sticky residue Many fumigants are colorless and odorless, making exposure harder to detect. 64.Why must application devices be checked regularly? A. They cost a lot B. To ensure safe, uniform fumigant release C. For tax purposes D. So they look clean Leaks or malfunctioning equipment can cause uneven application or hazards. 65.When is it legal to apply a fumigant?
A. Whenever pests are seen B. Only when label and FMP requirements are met C. After lunch D. If neighbors approve You must strictly follow the label, FMP, and regulatory conditions. 66.What is the best response if a person is found unconscious near a fumigated area? A. Give them water B. Evacuate and call emergency services immediately C. Wait to see if they regain consciousness D. Try to finish the fumigation Never enter a fumigated area without proper protection—call emergency responders. 67.What is a common symptom of acute fumigant exposure? A. Skin rash B. Headache and difficulty breathing C. Loss of appetite D. Muscle cramps Fumigant inhalation can cause respiratory distress, nausea, and headaches. 68.What does “PEL” stand for? A. Pesticide Emission Level B. Product Entry Limit
