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NEW YORK PESTICIDE APPLICATORS PRACTICE
EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2025
- What is the primary goal of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)? a. Complete eradication of pests b. Increased pesticide application c. Pest control with minimal environmental impact d. Use of only chemical methods IPM emphasizes managing pests economically with the least risk to humans and the environment.
- What is the signal word that indicates the highest level of toxicity on a pesticide label? a. Warning b. Caution c. Danger d. Poison "Danger" is used for pesticides that are highly toxic through at least one route of exposure.
- Which part of the label tells you how toxic the product is? a. EPA registration number
b. Directions for use c. Signal word d. Brand name The signal word indicates the acute toxicity of the pesticide.
- What is the minimum age to apply general-use pesticides in New York without supervision? a. 21 b. 18 c. 16 d. 14 In New York, the minimum unsupervised applicator age for general-use pesticides is 16.
- What does the reentry interval (REI) signify? a. Maximum allowed application rate b. Time before people can enter a treated area c. Amount of pesticide absorbed d. Length of pesticide effectiveness REI is the minimum amount of time required before entering a treated area without PPE.
- Which PPE is required when handling concentrates of Category I pesticides? a. Cotton gloves b. Safety glasses c. Chemical-resistant gloves and face shield d. Paper mask
c. Reduces pesticide toxicity d. Increases evaporation Surfactants improve coverage and adhesion of pesticides. 11.Which formulation is most prone to drift? a. Granules b. Wettable powders c. Emulsifiable concentrates d. Dusts Dusts are lightweight and easily carried by air currents. 12.What is leaching? a. Pest migration b. Application drift c. Movement of pesticides through soil into groundwater d. Residue build-up Leaching can contaminate groundwater when pesticides percolate through soil. 13.Restricted-use pesticides can be purchased and applied only by: a. Gardeners b. Landscapers c. Certified applicators d. Government officials Only certified applicators or those under their supervision may use restricted-use pesticides.
14.Which practice minimizes groundwater contamination? a. Applying before rain b. Following label rates and timing c. Increasing dose d. Spraying near wells Correct label usage reduces leaching and runoff. 15.Which of the following best defines phytotoxicity? a. Pest resistance b. Plant injury from pesticides c. Weed growth d. Soil erosion Phytotoxicity refers to chemical injury to plants. 16.What is the best time of day to apply pesticides to avoid drift? a. Noon b. Early morning or late evening c. Midday d. Midnight Low wind conditions during early morning or late evening reduce drift risk. 17.What is the primary route of exposure during pesticide mixing? a. Inhalation b. Dermal (skin contact) c. Ingestion d. Eye absorption Mixing involves close contact, increasing dermal exposure risk.
d. Avoid pesticides Rotating modes of action prevents resistance development. 22.What is a spot treatment? a. Aerial spraying b. Broadcast application c. Treating only affected areas d. Soil fumigation Spot treatments minimize pesticide use by targeting problem areas. 23.What is required before using a new pesticide product? a. Verbal instructions b. Reading and understanding the label c. Asking a neighbor d. Mixing it with water Label comprehension is a legal requirement. 24.Who enforces pesticide regulations in New York? a. FDA b. USDA c. NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) d. OSHA The DEC regulates pesticide use and certification in New York. 25.What is the best way to dispose of excess mixed pesticide? a. Pour in trash b. Apply it to a labeled site c. Dump in stream
d. Store indefinitely Excess pesticide should be used on an appropriate target area. 26.What determines how long you must wait before harvesting after application? a. Wind speed b. Pre-harvest interval (PHI) c. Cost of pesticide d. Type of sprayer PHI ensures residues are within safe levels at harvest. 27.Why must you calibrate application equipment? a. Save time b. Reduce spills c. Ensure correct application rate d. Increase speed Calibration prevents over- or under-application. 28.How are systemic pesticides absorbed? a. Through the soil b. By plants and distributed internally c. Through insects d. Via air currents Systemic pesticides move within plant tissues. 29.What does PPE stand for? a. Professional Pesticide Equipment b. Personal Protective Equipment
c. Certified applicator d. Supervisor Certified applicators hold legal responsibility for proper use. 34.How often must a certified applicator in New York renew certification? a. Annually b. Every 5 years c. Every 3 years d. Every 10 years New York pesticide certification typically lasts five years. 35.Which is a common pesticide exposure symptom? a. Hyperactivity b. Nausea and headache c. Weight gain d. Blindness Early symptoms often include headaches and nausea. 36.Which factor most affects pesticide volatility? a. Soil texture b. Droplet size c. Temperature d. Crop type High temperatures increase volatility and risk of vapor drift. 37.Which pesticide formulation requires constant agitation? a. Emulsifiable concentrate b. Granular
c. Wettable powder d. Dust Wettable powders settle and require mixing. 38.Which action is prohibited under New York pesticide laws? a. Wearing gloves b. Using SDS c. Applying off-label d. Reading the label Off-label use violates federal and state regulations. 39.What is the primary advantage of using granules? a. Fast action b. Less drift c. Cheap d. High toxicity Granules are heavier and less prone to airborne drift. 40.What is the major risk of back-siphoning during mixing? a. Pest resistance b. Water source contamination c. Worker fatigue d. High pressure Pesticide can enter and contaminate clean water systems. 41.What should you check before applying any pesticide? a. Local news b. Weather last week
c. Mixing instructions d. Disposal This section addresses impact on wildlife and environment. 46.What is a common consequence of pesticide misuse? a. Better results b. Pest resistance and crop damage c. Increased shelf life d. Reduced cost Improper use can lead to ineffective control and damage. 47.Who issues pesticide applicator licenses in New York? a. EPA b. NYS DEC c. OSHA d. FDA The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) manages licensing. 48.Where should pesticides be stored? a. Near food b. In garages c. In secure, labeled, ventilated areas d. In the field Storage must prevent access and protect from spills. 49.What should be avoided when using pesticides near water bodies? a. Reading the label
b. Applying during windy or rainy weather c. Using low-toxicity products d. Spot spraying Weather can cause runoff into water bodies. 50.What is the best way to verify pesticide calibration accuracy? a. Ask coworker b. Measure output and compare to label rate c. Apply and inspect d. Shake the tank Calibration ensures application rate matches label directions.
