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New Mexico Pesticide Applicators Exam Study Guide
Exam Questions and Correct Detailed Answers 2025
(Verified Answers) With Rationales
- What is the primary goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)? a. Complete elimination of pests b. Use of multiple control methods for long-term prevention c. Reliance solely on chemical control d. Enhancing pesticide resistance IPM promotes the use of various control strategies to manage pests economically and environmentally soundly.
- The signal word “Danger” on a pesticide label indicates: a. Slight toxicity b. Moderate toxicity c. High toxicity d. No toxicity “Danger” is used for pesticides that are highly toxic and potentially lethal if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed.
- Who is legally responsible for following the instructions on a pesticide label? a. The manufacturer b. The distributor
c. The applicator d. The state inspector The applicator must always follow the label instructions, as it is a legal document.
- Which part of the pesticide label contains information on how to apply the pesticide safely and effectively? a. Precautionary Statements b. Brand Name c. Directions for Use d. Storage and Disposal “Directions for Use” provides specific guidelines on application rates, methods, and timing.
- What is the LD50 of a substance? a. The time it takes for 50% of pests to die b. The dose that kills 50% of the test animals c. The lethal dose for humans d. The amount absorbed through the skin LD50 represents the median lethal dose and measures acute toxicity.
- Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP) can only be applied by: a. Anyone over 18 b. Certified applicators or those under their supervision c. Homeowners d. Pest control retailers RUPs are regulated and may only be used by trained, certified individuals.
Chronic exposure often results in long-term health effects. 11.The best way to prevent groundwater contamination is: a. Using more pesticides b. Following proper application and disposal practices c. Applying during rainfall d. Avoiding pesticide use Proper handling and disposal prevent leaching into groundwater. 12.Which PPE is typically required when mixing pesticides? a. T-shirt and jeans b. Chemical-resistant gloves and apron c. Sunglasses d. Cotton gloves Chemical-resistant PPE is critical when handling concentrated pesticides. 13.What is phytotoxicity? a. Plant damage caused by a pesticide b. Toxicity to insects c. Toxicity to humans d. Soil degradation Phytotoxicity results when plants are injured by chemicals. 14.An example of a cultural pest control method is: a. Spraying insecticides b. Crop rotation
c. Using traps d. Releasing predators Cultural methods involve changes in farming practices to disrupt pest life cycles. 15.A common symptom of pesticide poisoning is: a. Increased energy b. Headaches and dizziness c. Muscle gain d. Hearing improvement Symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and headaches may indicate poisoning. 16.Which formulation is most likely to cause drift? a. Granules b. Emulsifiable concentrates c. Pellets d. Baits Emulsifiable concentrates are more likely to produce fine droplets that can drift. 17.Pesticide residues on treated crops are regulated by: a. The USDA b. The EPA c. OSHA d. FDA The Environmental Protection Agency sets tolerances for pesticide residues. 18.Which of the following is a mechanical pest control method? a. Herbicide application
22.The Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is enforced by: a. CDC b. USDA c. EPA d. FDA The EPA enforces the WPS to protect agricultural workers. 23.Drift is more likely to occur when: a. There is high humidity b. Wind speeds exceed 10 mph c. Nozzles are close to the target d. It’s raining Windy conditions significantly increase the risk of drift. 24.Pesticide leaching into groundwater is more common in: a. Clay soils b. Sandy soils c. Rocky soils d. Loamy soils Sandy soils allow water (and pesticides) to move more freely. 25.Systemic pesticides: a. Are absorbed by the plant and move within b. Remain on the plant surface c. Only affect weeds d. Are used on insects only
Systemic pesticides are taken up by the plant and control internal pests. 26.What is the best way to clean up small pesticide spills on concrete? a. Wash with water b. Absorb with an absorbent material and sweep up c. Hose it down into the drain d. Let it evaporate Absorbents like kitty litter or sawdust prevent further spread and contamination. 27.What is a buffer zone? a. An area where extra pesticide is applied b. A zone with no vegetation c. An untreated area between treated areas and sensitive sites d. The mixing site Buffer zones protect nearby sensitive environments such as waterways and habitats. 28.What is a common consequence of pesticide misuse? a. Pest resistance b. Faster plant growth c. Increased biodiversity d. Greater crop yields Overuse and improper use of pesticides can lead to pests developing resistance. 29.Drift can be influenced by: a. Time of day only
33.What is the re-entry interval (REI)? a. Time before people can safely enter a treated area b. Time before pests die c. Time before the next application d. Time for the pesticide to break down REI protects workers from exposure to potentially harmful pesticide residues. 34.The term “pesticide resistance” refers to: a. Weeds avoiding pesticides b. Crops resisting pests c. Pests surviving and reproducing despite pesticide application d. Soil neutralizing pesticides Repeated exposure can allow pests to develop resistance genes. 35.What is a common signal word for moderately toxic pesticides? a. Danger b. Warning c. Caution d. Hazard “Warning” is used for products with moderate toxicity. 36.What is one advantage of using granular pesticides? a. Greater drift b. Less risk of inhalation c. They are volatile d. Applied with foggers
Granules are safer to handle and have minimal inhalation hazard. 37.A "selective" pesticide: a. Kills all organisms b. Targets specific pests only c. Is used for plants only d. Is banned in New Mexico Selective pesticides are designed to minimize harm to non-target species. 38.What should be done before using a pesticide for the first time? a. Nothing, just spray b. Read the entire label thoroughly c. Call the county office d. Mix with water immediately The label is the law and contains all critical safety and use instructions. 39.What does the EPA Registration Number indicate? a. That the product has been approved by the EPA b. The pesticide’s expiration date c. The price of the product d. That it is made in the U.S. Each registered pesticide must have an EPA number to be legally sold or used. 40.Which practice reduces pesticide resistance development? a. Using the same pesticide repeatedly b. Rotating chemicals with different modes of action
44.Why should pesticide containers never be reused? a. They are weak b. They are expensive c. They may contain dangerous residues d. They are too large Even small residues can pose serious health risks. 45.What is the first step in spill response? a. Call the fire department b. Control the spill source c. Put up warning signs d. Notify EPA immediately The first priority is to stop the source and prevent spread. 46.In which document would you find information about PPE, first aid, and storage? a. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) b. Invoice c. Shipping manifest d. Sales brochure The SDS provides detailed safety and handling information. 47.What does FIFRA stand for? a. Federal Insecticide Formula Regulation Act b. Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act c. Federal Industrial Fertilizer Regulatory Agreement d. Federal Investigation of Farming Resources Act
FIFRA is the primary law regulating pesticide use in the U.S. 48.The best nozzle to minimize drift is: a. Hollow cone b. Low-pressure flat fan c. Mist blower d. High-pressure adjustable Low-pressure nozzles produce larger droplets that are less prone to drift. 49.What is the primary function of calibration? a. To mix pesticides b. To clean the sprayer c. To ensure the correct amount of pesticide is applied d. To test pH Calibration ensures effectiveness and reduces environmental risks. 50.Who must keep pesticide application records in New Mexico? a. Homeowners b. Certified applicators c. Retailers only d. County inspectors Certified applicators are legally required to maintain accurate application records.
