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Texas Pesticide Applicators Exam , including answers in
bold and rationales in italics , based on the official Texas
Department of Agriculture (TDA) pesticide applicator
guidelines
1. What is the primary purpose of the signal word on a pesticide label? A. To indicate the pesticide’s effectiveness B. To indicate the product’s relative toxicity to humans C. To show the price range D. To list active ingredients The signal word (e.g., Caution, Warning, Danger) reflects the product's acute toxicity level to humans. 2. What does the signal word “Danger” indicate? A. Slightly toxic B. Highly toxic or corrosive C. Moderately toxic D. Not toxic “Danger” is used for highly toxic pesticides or those causing severe skin or eye irritation. 3. Which federal agency regulates the registration of pesticides in the United States? A. FDA
B. EPA
C. USDA
D. OSHA
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for pesticide regulation under FIFRA.
4. What does the term “restricted use pesticide” mean? A. It can be sold only by the manufacturer B. It can be used only by certified applicators C. It is more effective D. It is banned in Texas Restricted use pesticides pose potential risks to humans or the environment if not used properly. 5. Who enforces pesticide laws in the state of Texas? A. EPA B. Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) C. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality D. USDA TDA administers pesticide laws and regulations in Texas. 6. Which of the following is NOT part of the pesticide label? A. Signal word B. Directions for use C. Price D. Precautionary statements The price is not required and is typically determined by the retailer.
C. Hair loss D. Coughing Organophosphates inhibit cholinesterase, causing neurological and muscular symptoms.
11. What is the primary route of exposure when using pesticides in enclosed spaces? A. Ingestion B. Dermal C. Inhalation D. Ocular Inhalation is the most significant concern in enclosed or poorly ventilated spaces. 12. What is the main reason for cleaning pesticide application equipment regularly? A. To make it look new B. To avoid rust C. To prevent cross-contamination and ensure accurate application D. To improve fuel efficiency Cleaning prevents residue build-up, which can harm crops or cause illegal residues. 13. Pesticides should be stored: A. On open shelves near food B. In unlocked sheds
C. In original containers in a locked, well-ventilated area D. In the home garage Proper storage minimizes risks of spills, contamination, and unauthorized access.
14. The term “re-entry interval” refers to: A. The time it takes for rain to wash away the pesticide B. The time required before entering a treated area without PPE C. The time before pesticide expires D. The time needed before the pesticide becomes effective This interval protects workers from exposure after application. 15. What is the function of an adjuvant? A. A type of pesticide B. A substance added to improve pesticide performance C. A fertilizer D. A mixing container Adjuvants enhance pesticide efficacy by improving spreading, sticking, or penetration. 16. The term LD50 refers to: A. Label dose B. Legal limit C. Lethal dose for 50% of test animals D. Liquid density LD50 is a standard measure of acute toxicity.
21. What should you do before mixing pesticides? A. Shake the container B. Read the entire pesticide label C. Mix with water D. Open it in the wind Reading the label ensures safe and correct use. 22. What does IPM stand for? A. International Pest Management B. Integrated Pest Management C. Insect Pest Mitigation D. Industrial Pest Method IPM is an approach using a combination of techniques for pest control. 23. What should you do with an empty pesticide container? A. Throw it in the trash B. Triple rinse and dispose according to local regulations C. Burn it D. Refill it with another chemical Triple rinsing ensures safety and regulatory compliance. 24. Which pest control method uses natural enemies like predators or parasites? A. Mechanical control B. Cultural control C. Biological control
D. Chemical control Biological control involves using living organisms to suppress pests.
25. A pesticide label is considered: A. A suggestion B. Optional C. A legal document D. For reference only The label carries legal weight and must be followed by applicators. 26. Drift is most likely to occur under which condition? A. At night B. During high wind speeds C. With low humidity D. In overcast weather High winds can carry pesticide particles off-target. 27. What is the first step when a pesticide poisoning is suspected? A. Call your employer B. Wait for symptoms C. Call 911 or Poison Control D. Apply pesticide antidote Immediate emergency help reduces harm and saves lives. 28. A “general use” pesticide: A. Requires a permit B. Can only be applied by licensed individuals
Back-siphoning happens when suction draws pesticide mix back into a water supply—this is dangerous and illegal.
32. How can you prevent back-siphoning? A. Use a short hose B. Use an anti-siphon device or air gap C. Keep the spray nozzle below the water line D. Turn off the sprayer An air gap or backflow prevention device keeps pesticide from contaminating water sources. 33. What is the meaning of the term “residue”? A. Spilled pesticide B. An old pesticide container C. A pesticide remaining on treated surfaces D. Evaporated pesticide Residue refers to leftover pesticide on crops, soil, or surfaces after application. 34. What is a volatile pesticide? A. A pesticide with a strong odor B. A pesticide that easily evaporates into a gas C. One that causes nausea D. One that causes fire Volatile pesticides can evaporate quickly and drift off target. 35. When transporting pesticides in a vehicle, they should be: A. Stored in the front seat B. Secured in the back of the truck, separate from people and food
C. Mixed before transport D. Left in open containers Pesticides must be transported safely, secured away from passengers and other materials.
36. What is phytotoxicity? A. Toxicity to humans B. Resistance to pests C. Damage to plants caused by pesticides D. Resistance to weather Phytotoxicity means a pesticide harms the plant it was meant to protect. 37. Which pesticide formulation is most likely to be absorbed through the skin? A. Granules B. Dust C. Emulsifiable concentrates (ECs) D. Wettable powders ECs contain solvents that can penetrate the skin more readily than other forms. 38. What does “systemic” mean in terms of a pesticide? A. A pesticide sprayed on surfaces only B. A pesticide that evaporates C. A pesticide absorbed by the plant and transported internally D. A pesticide that kills on contact Systemic pesticides move within the plant to control pests that feed on it.
D. Look for insects Routine inspections help detect leaks and prevent environmental contamination.
43. How often must a commercial applicator renew their license in Texas? A. Every year B. Every year by the anniversary date C. Every 2 years D. Every 3 years In Texas, commercial licenses must be renewed annually with continuing education. 44. What does a “reduced risk pesticide” imply? A. It's not tested B. It’s less expensive C. It poses less risk to human health and the environment D. It works slower EPA grants “reduced risk” status to products safer for humans and the environment. 45. The EPA registration number on a pesticide label identifies: A. The product’s expiration B. The price C. That the product has been registered and approved by the EPA D. The location of manufacture This number shows the pesticide has been reviewed and approved for legal use.
46. Which of the following practices reduces pesticide resistance? A. Using the same pesticide every season B. Applying higher doses C. Rotating pesticides with different modes of action D. Applying to healthy plants only Rotating modes of action helps prevent pests from adapting and developing resistance. 47. What is the minimum age to become a certified pesticide applicator in Texas? A. 14 B. 16 C. 18 D. 21 You must be at least 18 years old to apply for a pesticide applicator license in Texas. 48. Which of the following is a goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)? A. Maximize pesticide usage B. Eliminate all pests C. Use a combination of methods for long-term pest control D. Spray before checking IPM integrates multiple approaches to reduce reliance on pesticides. 49. What is the first thing you should do if a pesticide label is damaged or unreadable? A. Use a different pesticide
53. What’s the primary concern with pesticide-contaminated clothing? A. It smells bad B. It fades colors C. It can cause dermal exposure even after work is done D. It shrinks in the wash Contaminated clothing continues to expose the wearer to pesticide residues. 54. What is an example of a cultural control in IPM? A. Using a pesticide B. Crop rotation C. Spraying insecticide D. Hand-picking insects Crop rotation disrupts pest life cycles by changing their environment. 55. What is the purpose of a buffer zone when applying pesticides? A. To save money B. To protect non-target areas and sensitive environments C. To work faster D. To increase pressure Buffer zones reduce contamination of water bodies, homes, and sensitive areas. 56. What should you do before applying a pesticide near water? A. Ignore the label B. Use more pesticide C. Read the label for water protection requirements and buffer zones
D. Apply at night Always follow label instructions for aquatic or sensitive areas.
57. Which type of pesticide is used to control fungus? A. Herbicide B. Insecticide C. Fungicide D. Rodenticide Fungicides target fungal pathogens affecting crops or surfaces. 58. What is a “mode of action” in pesticide science? A. The brand of pesticide B. The way a pesticide affects a target pest’s biological functions C. The spray method D. The time of application Mode of action describes how the pesticide kills or affects the pest. 59. What agency certifies pesticide applicators in Texas? A. EPA B. USDA C. Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) D. OSHA TDA is the certifying and regulatory authority in Texas. 60. A license is required to apply which of the following? A. General-use pesticide at home B. Fertilizer C. Restricted-use pesticide
