ID Core | Applicator Competency

Question 1

Physical Control methods kill pests, disrupt their life cycle, or make the environment unfavorable. An example would be changing the temperature in a room.

Answer 1

True. Examples of physical control:
- Heat treatment for bed bugs
- Putting lights in the attic to keep bats from nesting there

Question 2

⭐ Cultural Control disrupts the relationship between a pest and it’s host through routine management practices.

Answer 2

True. Examples of cultural control:
- Pruning plants
- Varying the time you plant crops
- Crop rotation

Question 3

Genetic Control involves the use of parasites or predators to a pest.

Answer 3

False. Genetic Control involves creating or introducing animals and plants resistant to attack. Examples:
- GMO crops (Genetically modified organisms) that won’t be eaten by insects
- Sterilizing male flies and introducing them back into the population to mate with females who will later lay sterile eggs, meaning the fly population goes down

Question 4

⭐ Biological Control involves the introduction or increase of parasites or predators to a pest.

Answer 4

True. Examples include:
- Introducing lady bugs to eat aphids.

Question 5

⭐ Mechanical Control means building a machine to kill pests.

Answer 5

False. Mechanical Control means using screens, nets and fences to destroy pests or keep them out. Examples:
- Putting a screen over your attic vent to keep rats out
- Building a fence to keep deer away from a garden
- Putting a mesh bag over apples tree branches to keep insects off the fruit

Question 6

Legal Control means preventing people from becoming pesticide applicators if they have a criminal history.

Answer 6

False. Legal Control means making rules to control human activities. Example:
- Setting up quarantine zones to prevent the spread of pests

Question 7

Chemical Control involves using pesticides to kill, attract, repel, or change pests.

Answer 7

True. Examples include:
- Rodenticides to kill rodents
- Herbicides to kill weeds
- Insecticides to kill insects
- And many more!

Question 8

⭐Pesticide drift can be reduced by spraying upwind from a sensitive area in winds under 5mph.

Answer 8

False. Reduce drift by spraying large droplets of product. Avoid fine mists that float along the breeze. Spray in winds of 5mph or less.

Question 9

⭐Emulsifiable concentrates need constant agitation.

Answer 9

False. These milky white liquids mix well with water, are easy to transport, and don’t clog sprayers. They don’t need to be shaken to stay emulsified. They’re easy!

Question 10

⭐Emulsifiable concentrates are very concentrated oil-based products, meaning you only need a small amount of product mixed into your sprayer.

Answer 10

True. Because they’re so concentrated…
- ⭐You don’t have much margin for error when mixing ⭐
- ⭐They’re easily absorbed into human skin⭐
- They’re flammable
- They can damage painted surfaces and cause corrosion

Question 11

Soluable powders and wettable powders both dissolve in water

Answer 11

False.

Soluable powders DO dissolve in water. Imagine stirring sugar into hot coffee until the sugar dissolves.

Wettable powders DON’T dissolve in water. Your tank must be agitated constantly to prevent settling. They tend to clog sprayers. Imagine stirring flour into your coffee and it clumping on the bottom of your cup.

Question 12

A disadvantage of dust pesticide is that it drifts around easily

Answer 12

True. It blows around a lot!

Question 13

Ultra-low volume applications are safer than high volume applications.

Answer 13

False. Ultra-low volume sprays use very little water, meaning you’re spraying a very small amount of product. This means that the product is VERY concentrated and therefore more dangerous if it comes into contact with human skin or drifts to a non target area.

Question 14

⭐ Microencapsulated pesticides have active ingredient encapsulated in a tiny capsule which slowly releases the active ingredient over time.

Answer 14

True. ⭐They last a really long time and the re-entry interval is longer for applicators. ⭐They pose a special risk to pollinators since a bee can carry the product back to the hive by accident when collecting pollen.

Question 15

All pesticide applicators in the State of Idaho can apply fumigants.

Answer 15

False. Fumigants are the most hazardous form of pesticides the EPA has placed special regulations on who can purchase and apply these products.

Question 16

⭐The WALE method of pesticide mixing helps you remember the order for adding products into your tank.

Start with a half a tank of water, then add…
1. Wettable powders and granules
2. Agitate to mix
3. Liquid pesticides
4. Emulsifiable concentrates
…Top off with water

Answer 16

True. Note that the W in WALE doesn’t stand for “water” despite it being the first step which is very confusing!
⭐Memorize the WALE steps⭐

Question 17

⭐Having a mixture of pesticides clump, create globules, or separate into layers are all examples of a compatible mixture.

Answer 17

False. Clumps, globules, or separating into layers are all examples of INcompatible pesticide mixtures.
⭐Incompatible mixtures don’t mix well together physically ⭐

Question 18

⭐When a pesticide mixture looks incompatible (globules, clumps, separation of layers) it can lose effectiveness and increase hazards to people and animals.

Answer 18

True.

Question 19

⭐If you’re mixing two pesticides together for the first time you should perform a small mixing test in a clear jar before making a large batch in your tank.

Answer 19

True. Use the WALE method to ensure you add products in the right order.

Question 20

⭐An adjuvant is a product added to rodenticide to make it taste better to rats.

Answer 20

False. ⭐An adjuvant is an additive that modifies a pesticide’s physical properties to enhance performance. They’re most commonly used on foliage to get the pesticide product to stick properly on the leaves.⭐

Question 21

Surfactants, stickers, penetrants, thickening agents, and safeners are all examples of adjuvants.

Answer 21

True. For example a thickening might be added to a crop spray to reduce drift.

Question 22

All formulations with the same active ingredient carry the same signal word.

Answer 22

False. Some formulations are more hazardous than others. For example a fumigant is much more hazardous than a granule.

Question 23

The safest way to dispose of a pesticide is to rinse it down the drain.

Answer 23

False. Follow the label instructions. The label is the law!

Question 24

⭐Every pesticide must include a signal word.

Answer 24

True.
⭐- ☠️ DANGER POISON with a skull and crossbones = Highly toxic
⭐- WARNING = Moderately toxic
⭐- CAUTION = Slightly toxic

Question 25

An EPA registration number is only required for pesticides that carry the skull and crossbones symbol and the signal word DANGER POISON

Answer 25

False. All pesticides have an EPA registration number on the label.

Question 26

⭐The following are examples of "Precautionary Statements" found on a pesticide label: - Route of Entry (mouth, skin, lungs) - Specific Action (do not get in eyes, avoid breathing dust) - Protective Clothing (wear tightly fitted goggles when applying overhead)

Answer 26

True. ⭐There are three main types of precautionary statements found on labels. You might find all three types or none at all depending on the product.⭐ - Route of Entry - Specific Action - Protective Clothing

Question 27

A pesticide label has a Route of Entry statement that reads "Fatal if swallowed. Corrosive severe skin burns." You would expect this label to have the signal word "CAUTION."

Answer 27

False. The signal word would be DANGER POISON ☠️ because it is potentially fatal. The word CAUTION indicates a product is only slightly toxic.

Question 28

⭐You've ingested a pesticide. The poison control hotline is the only resource for getting information on the right type of medical care.

Answer 28

False. The label contains a section called ⭐"Practical Treatments"⭐0 that outlines medical care for poisoning emergencies. Physicians and field staff can refer to this section for help.

Question 29

⭐General environmental statements appear on most pesticide labels. They are common sense instructions like "do not contaminate water" and "do not apply when bees are in the area."

Answer 29

True. Preventing water pollution, limiting drift, and protecting pollinators are all common sense instructions on almost every pesticide label.

Question 30

The re-entry interval (REI) tells you how much time must pass before people can reenter a treated area without wearing PPE.

Answer 30

True.

Question 31

If a pesticide label doesn't state a re-entry interval, people can walk through a pesticide application immediately.

Answer 31

False. Always wait until sprays have dried and dusts have settled.

Question 32

⭐The "Directions for Use" section of a label is the longest portion of the label and provides extensive instructions on: - Type of pests you can treat - How much product to use - Where and when you can use the product - Equipment for applying product - And much more!

Answer 32

True.

Question 33

⭐The pre-harvest interval is a suggestion made by a pesticide manufacturer.

Answer 33

False. The EPA sets pre-harvest intervals to make sure a pesticide has broken down to safe levels before food is harvested and eaten by people.

Question 34

Labels should be removed from pesticide containers and kept in a notebook so they remain clean and legible.

Answer 34

False! Never remove a pesticide label. Keep copies in your safety binder.

Question 35

⭐An active ingredient often has many names: - The chemical compound's technical name (1-naphthyl N-nethyl cabamate) - A common name (Carbaryl) - Product or brand names that contain that ingredient (Sevin 50WP Insect Killer)

Answer 35

True. Know the difference between a technical name, a common name, and a product name.

Question 36

A General Use Pesticide can be sold to the general public because it does not pose a large risk to the public.

Answer 36

True. General Use Pesticides are widely available to everyone. A Restricted Use Pesticide has a high potential to harm the public and can only be sold to people with a pesticide license.

Question 37

⭐There are six major components to IPM (integrated pest management) 1. Pest identification 2. Monitoring pest numbers and damage 3. Guidelines for when management is needed 4. Prevention 5. Combining biological/cultural/physical/mechanical and chemical control 6. Assessing your results

Answer 37

True. You must be able to count and monitor the pest to assess your results.

Question 38

⭐The Economic Injury Level or Economic Threshold helps you compare the cost of pest damage to the cost of pest control. When you reach that level it makes sense to control the pest vs doing nothing.

Answer 38

True. For example, losing 1% of your crop to insects may be acceptable but losing 10% of your crop may be more expensive than hiring a pest control applicator to spray your field. You've reached the Economic Threshold to take action.

Question 39

All pesticides kill only the target pests.

Answer 39

False.

Question 40

⭐The goal of all pest management programs is to eradicate the pest.

Answer 40

False.

Question 41

⭐A systemic pesticide is absorbed into the plant and moved around through the root and leaves. This process is known as translocation.

Answer 41

True. Systemic insecticides provide coverage on the entire plant, not just the leaves it's applied to.

Question 42

Herbicides are pesticides.

Answer 42

True.

Question 43

⭐Phytotoxic chemicals are toxic to insects.

Answer 43

False. Phytotoxic chemicals (like herbicides) prevent the plant from photosynthesis and the plant dies.

Question 44

There are two main types of rodenticide; anticoagulants and acute compounds.

Answer 44

True. Anticoagulants typically take longer to work and require several feedings. Acute compounds work for fast knockdown but are more toxic and dangerous.

Question 45

⭐The four routes of pesticide exposure are: 1. Skin (dermal) 2. Lungs (inhalation) 3. Mouth (oral) 4. Genital transfer

Answer 45

False. The four ways pesticides enter the body are: 1. Skin (dermal) 2. Lungs (inhalation) 3. Mouth (oral) 4. Eyes Your scrotum and your head absorb pesticide easily. But it's a type of skin exposure.

Question 46

⭐Lung inhalation is the most common route of entry for pesticide poisonings.

Answer 46

False. Skin absorption is about 97% of all exposures.

Question 47

It takes an average of 3 exposures to an acutely toxic product to have a harmful effect.

Answer 47

False. Products are considered acutely toxic if they are harmful with just one exposure.

Question 48

A product with an LD50 of 2 MG/KG is more toxic than a product with an LD50 of 10 KG/MG.

Answer 48

True. The LOWER the number, the HIGHER the toxicity. This is because it takes a small amount to be toxic.

Question 49

It's best to scrub your skin vigorously if it's been exposed to a pesticide.

Answer 49

False. Gently rinse your skin and follow label instructions.

Question 50

If a person ingests a pesticide you should induce vomiting immediately

Answer 50

False. Read the label. Vomiting is often non recommended.

Question 51

⭐Organophosphates are responsible for most pesticide poisonings.

Answer 51

True. It impacts the ⭐nervous system⭐: - Headache/dizziness - Trouble breathing - Nausea - Pale/sweating - Pupils that don't respond to light

Question 52

Because of the protective nature of eye tissues, very little pesticide that contacts the eyes is actually absorbed.

Answer 52

False. Eyes absorb a lot of pesticide.

Question 53

⭐Symptoms of pesticide poisoning always occur immediately after exposure

Answer 53

False. Symptoms may be immediate or delayed.

Question 54

⭐Chronic toxicity from a pesticide is from small, repeated exposure over time.

Answer 54

True.

Question 55

⭐The lungs are the quickest and most direct route of pesticide exposure

Answer 55

True.

Question 56

Rubber raincoats and aprons may be necessary when mixing and applying highly toxic chemicals.

Answer 56

True

Question 57

⭐UNlined rubber is best for gloves and boost since cotton linings can absorb pesticides

Answer 57

True.

Question 58

⭐Clean protective equipment and clothing should be kept with pesticides in the locked pesticide storage area.

Answer 58

False. Store clean PPE away from pesticides

Question 59

Pesticide-contaminated clothing should be washed separately from the family laundry in hot water with laundry detergent.

Answer 59

True. Do not use bleach!

Question 60

⭐Backsiphoning occurs when a pesticide mixture in a tank is sucked back up the water hose. Prevent this by using an anti-backflow device, keeping the hose above the water level in the tank, and watching closely as you fill.

Answer 60

True. ⭐An air gap of approximately 2 x the diameter of the hose is safest.⭐

Question 61

Waste rinse water from mixing pesticides is called "rinsate." It can be disposed of in two ways: 1. Add it to the tank for a future pesticide application 2. Diluting it down with more water and spraying it over the current treatment area

Answer 61

True

Question 62

It's best to mix large amounts of pesticide at once so you don't have to mix them as often.

Answer 62

False. Only mix the amount you need.

Question 63

Pesticide storage requires a 6ft fence and highly visible warning signs. No smoking signs should be posted.

Answer 63

True.

Question 64

⭐ If a nozzle becomes clogged while spraying you should continue the application until the tank is empty and then address the problem.

Answer 64

False. If a nozzle becomes clogged while spraying you should move to an untreated area and use a soft brush to clean the nozzle.

Question 65

⭐A well lighted storage area with lots of direct sun is best for pesticide storage

Answer 65

False. Keep pesticides out of direct light.

Question 66

Shipping unused pesticides to the EPA is the best way to dispose of unwanted products.

Answer 66

False. Use it in a way consistent with the label. If you can't use it, give it back to the distributor or find another applicator in your area who needs it.

Question 67

⭐ Triple rinsing is the best way to clean an empty pesticide container. Always collect the rinsewater

Answer 67

True.

Question 68

⭐Application records should be kept for no less than 2 years

Answer 68

True

Question 69

⭐The riskiest time of day for pesticide drift is noon, when the sun is hottest and creates a temperature inversion.

Answer 69

False. Temperature inversion happens in early evening or early morning because air at ground level is cooler than the air up high. This temperature difference creates a lot of air movement and the potential for drift.

Question 70

⭐Volitization is when a pesticide turns into a gas. Hot weather makes volitization more likely.

Answer 70

True.

Question 71

The risk of pesticide runoff is highest if an application is done right before it rains.

Answer 71

True.

Question 72

Leaching and runoff are both common ways for pesticides to enter waterways.

Answer 72

True. - Runoff: When a pesticide rolls on the top of the soil - Leaching: When a pesticide sucks down through the soil

Question 73

Chemical degredation is when a pesticide breaks down over time

Answer 73

True

Question 74

⭐The water table sits above ground and is visible to the naked eye.

Answer 74

False. The water table is the upper-level of the water zone that's underground. We access it via wells. The water we see in rivers, lakes, and streams is called surface water.

Question 75

It is very difficult to clean/purify ground water that is contaminated with pesticides

Answer 75

True

Question 76

Leaching is the main way pesticides reach ground water

Answer 76

True

Question 77

⭐Dust formulations are the safest type of product for bees.

Answer 77

False. Avoid dusts to keep pollinators safe.

Question 78

Fish kills most commonly result from pollution of water by insecticides.

Answer 78

True

Question 79

⭐Agricultural sprays that have the potential to harm bees should be done at midday.

Answer 79

False. During the times crops and/or weeds are in bloom, pesticide applications that are toxic to bees may only be made from three hours before sunset until three hours after sunrise

Question 80

The two most important variables in sprayer output are: - Nozzle flow rate - Ground speed of the sprayer

Answer 80

True

Question 81

⭐Doubling the sprayer's pressure will double the flow rate

Answer 81

False. ⭐Changing nozzle tips will change the flow rate.⭐

Question 82

Plastic nozzles can be dissolved easily and should not be used with solvents. Use brass or ceramic instead

Answer 82

True

Question 83

⭐ Best practice for disposing of a pesticide container is triple rinse, puncture and recycle.

Answer 83

True.

Question 84

⭐ The most hazardous scenario for pesticide exposure is generally mixing and loading concentrates.

Answer 84

True.

Question 85

⭐ Dermal exposure is the most COMMON mode of entry into the body.

Answer 85

True

Question 86

⭐Inhalation of a pesticide is the most DANGEROUS mode of entry into the body.

Answer 86

True

Question 87

⭐Wettable powders and flowables are similar in that they both contain fairly low concentrations of active ingredient.

Answer 87

False. Wettable powders and flowables generally have high concentrations of active ingredient.

Question 88

⭐Fumigants are always formulated as a gas.

Answer 88

False. They often come packaged as a liquid or solid and the applicator makes them a gas during application.

Question 89

⭐Fumigants are engineered so applicators can make highly targeted applications.

Answer 89

False. Fumigants are NON-Selective

Question 90

⭐ Sodium flouroacetate is governed by the "unique rule exemption" in Idaho

Answer 90

False. ⭐Sodium flouroacetate is governed by a "special rule" which allows it to be used in the Livestock Protection Collar program.

Question 91

⭐Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA ) is governed by the EPA.

Answer 91

True. ⭐The ISDA does NOT govern FIFRA.⭐

Question 92

⭐ If you get a pesticide in your eye you should immediately apply eye drops.

Answer 92

False. Gently rinse your eyes for 15 minutes

Question 93

⭐IPM is defined as an approach to pest control that combines physical, mechanical, biological, cultural, chemical, and other control methods to maintain pest levels below economically damaging levels.

Answer 93

True.

Question 94

⭐ A pesticide storage area should have highly visible warning signs.

Answer 94

True

Question 95

⭐ A pesticide storage area should be cool, dry, and out of direct sunlight.

Answer 95

True.

Question 96

⭐ A pesticide storage area should be airtight.

Answer 96

False. Good ventilation is key.

Question 97

⭐ Runoff depends on the slope of the soil, texture of the soil, moisture content in the soil, and rainfall.

Answer 97

True.

Question 98

⭐ Mechanical filter respirators and chemical canister respirators protect you from particulates and gases.

Answer 98

True.

Question 99

⭐ Positive pressure respirators rely on your lung power to draw in fresh air from the outside.

Answer 99

False. Negative pressure respirators rely on your lung power. This is the most common type. Positive pressure respirators use a blower to help pull in fresh air.

Question 100

⭐ The safest way to transport pesticides is in a truck bed with an unlocked canopy.

Answer 100

False. A truck bed that can be locked. Not where people sit. Not where the general public could accidentally get access.

Question 101

⭐ The three C's of a pesticide spill are: CONTROL CONTAIN COMMUNICATE

Answer 101

False. CONTROL CONTAIN CLEAN UP

Question 102

⭐ A restricted use pesticide may only be applied by a certified applicator OR by someone under the direct supervision of a certified applicator.

Answer 102

True

Question 103

⭐The minimum age for a pesticide applicator in the State of Idaho is 16.

Answer 103

False. 18 years is the minimum.

Question 104

⭐ Pesticide application records must include the dealer location and date of purchase for that pesticide.

Answer 104

False. You must include: - Date of application - EPA registration number - Wind speed and direction - Name and license number of the applicator - Person who recommended the application - Amount of product and application rate - And more!