Pesticide License Flashcards
List the four major pest groups
- weeds (unwanted plants)
- Invertebrate (insects etc.)
- Plant disease agents (fungi, viruses, bacteria)
- Vertebrates (birds or rodents)
Why is accurate pest identification essential for effective control?
The damage could be caused by something else. Misidentification could cause you to choose the wrong control method or apply it at the wrong time.
Describe the basic conditions for a pest to survive
Food, water, shelter
Define action threshold
Population control measure which measures population level for a specific pest at which come control measures are justified in order to avoid economic loss
Describe three non-chemical control options:
Biological: use of natural enemies to control pests
Mechanical: Cultivation (physically remove pests), exclusion (create barriers against pest), trapping (physically capture pests)
Cultural: Cultural (altering environment so pest is les likely to survive), sanitation (eliminating basic conditions for pest to survive
What are the advantages of non-chemical control?
has less of an impact on the soil, humans, and other life in the area
List the four major types of pesticides and what each controls
- Herbicides: weeds
- Insecticides: insects
- Fungicides: plant diseases
- Rodenticides: control mice and rats
What are the advantages of pesticides use
it is effective, it acts quickly, there are reasonable costs to it
explain how pest life cycle can control decisions
informs managers of when damage is most likely to occur and when the pest is most susceptible to the pesticide
Explain why some pest application sites are regarded as sensitive?
The sites could be near people who are sensitive to the pesticides (children or elderly, immunocompromised) or in highly populated areas (schools, hospitals, daycares), or could be near environmentally sensitive areas (wetlands, rare habitats)
Explain how site history can inform management?
it shows how well various control methods have worked in the past, potential impacts on the environment, and how treatment can be improved
List 6 factors that cause applications to fail
- Misidentification of pests
- Application at the wrong time in the insects life cycle
- Wrong pesticide
- Pesticide resistance
- wrong concentration of pesticide
- Applied at wrong time of day
Define pesticide resistance
The ability of a pest to grow resistant to a pesticide after long period of use in a singular area
Selective vs. non - selective pesticides
Selective: control only specific groups of pests or only affect a certain stage of development
Non-selective: control a wide variety of pests
Persistent vs non-persistent
Persistent: last for days, weeks, or months
Non-persistent: last only for a short period of time such as hour
Active Ingredient
Chemicals which control the pests
Inert Ingredient
Primary solvent and carriers which help deliver the active ingredient
Solution
When the solute (active ingredient) is dissolved in a solvent (liquid)
Emulsion
when one liquid is dispersed into another liquid, agitation is required to keep from separating
Suspension
finely divided particles dispersed in a liquid but not dissolved
Dust formations
solid formation, ready to use, absorption of active ingredient into chalk, cay, or talc; simple lightweight; great coverage; inhalation or drift hazard
Granule formation
solid formation, ready to use, active ingredient is absorbed into a larger particle such as clay or plant material, heavier and can be carried through foliage to the ground, reduced inhalation hazard, difficulty for uniform coverage, may attract birds but need to be in soil
Pellet formation
solid formation, ready to use, similar to granules, inert materials mixed with active ingredient to form a slurry which is then extruded under pressure to produce a pellet, used in spot application, high degree of safety, have potential to roll and harm non-target vegetation or contaminate water
wettable powders
solid formation, mixed with water, finely divided solids in which an active ingredient is added to water and applied as a liquid spray, low dermal hazard, less likely to burn vegetation, inhalation hazard, requires agitation to prevent settling
dry flowable/ water dispersible granules
solid formation, mixed with water; manufactured the same way as wettable powders except the powders is aggregated into granular particles, reduced inhalation hazard, pour more easily from container
soluble powders
solid formation, mixed with water, form a true solution when mixed with water, don’t need agitation, aren’t abrasive to equipment, inhalation hazard prior to mixing
water soluble concentrates
water soluable active ingredients idssoved in water to be further dissolved by applicator, forms true solution, no agitation needed, can be caustic to human skin
liquid flowable/flowable/suspension concentrates
powder/dispersion agent is mixed with water before packaging, mixture form a suspension with the water requiring further dilution, applied as spray, no inhalation hazard, difficulty removing product from container during mixing, loading, rinsing
micro capsules
a solid or liquid inert surrounded by a plastic or scratch coating which can be aggregated to form dispersible granules suspended in water and sold as a liquid formulation, enhances safety while providing timed release
emulsifiable concentrates
oil soluble active ingredient dissolved in appropriate oil based solvent and emulsifying agent is added concentrates are mixed with water and sprayed, some agitation is required to maintain, not abrasive to equipment and do not lug screens, present dermal hazard, readily penetrate oily barrier like skin, can burn foliage, can degrade rubber equipment
Fumigant
deliver the active ingredient to the target site in the form of a gas, can completely fill a space and have great penetrating power, extreme inhalation danger
adjuvant
compound that facilitates the action of pesticides or modifies characteristics of pesticide formulations or spray solutions
list common examples of major types of adjucants
a: surfactants
b: spreaders
c: stickers
d: Anti-foam agents
e: buffering agents
f: compatibility agents
sate the best source of info on when an adjuvant may be needed
pesticide product label will tell recommendations or warnings
define the term pesticide (im)compatability
when two products are combined in the same tank form an unsuitable mixture for spraying
list the general mix order when multiple products are tank mixed
- Fill tank 1/3 of way with water
- Start agitation
- Add suspension products
- Add solution products
- Add emulsifiable concentrates
- Add surfactants or other adjuvants
- Add additional water
Acute vs chronic toxicity
Acute: single pesticide exposure for a short period of time
Chronic: delayed long term effects over multiple acute exposures; effects organs and nervous systems
List common routes of exposure
Dermal: through skin
Respiratory: through lungs
Oral: through mouth
Signal Word: Danger
indicates highly toxic product, extremely corrosive to skin ad eyes
Signal Words: Warning
product is moderately toxic
Signal Word: Caution
product is slightly toxic
explain why mixing is potentially the most hazardous part of handling process
this is when the product is most highly concentrated presenting the highest degree of danger upon contact
General first aid when: product gets on skin or eyes
remove clothes and wash pesticide off the victim as soon as possible, wash out affected eye as quickly and gently as possible, hold eye open ad rinse with body temp water for 15 minutes of more
First aid if product is ingested
read label to see if vomiting needs to be induced
First aid if product is inhaled
wear appropriate protection when removing person from contaminated area, carry victim t fresh air and loosen all clothing, apply artificial respiration if breathing irregular
Describe how and when to properly clean used PPE
do this according to the manufacturer label and instructions, store way from pesticides
discuss how to properly store PPE
store away from pesticides
List best practices for laundering pesticide applicator work clothing
presoak in hot water with heavy duty detergent, drain and start wash cycle, clean washing machine after use, line dry if possible
describe what to do with applicator clothing heavily contaminated with pesticides
wear gloves while handling, should be disposed of as household hazardous waste
Describe the best management practices when transporting pesticide products
vehicle should be in safe operating condition, back of open pick-up truck is ideal, travel at posted speed, never leave unsecured, check to make sure pesticides are correctly labeled and sealed, make sure current SDS are located nearby, kept in originally labelled containers, bags are protected from punctures, containers are secured
Describe the characteristics of an deal storage facility
located away from livestock habitat, not in flood areas, built as separate structures dedicated to pesticide storage, runoff cannot contaminate surface water, secured against theft, warnings are posted, pesticides are stored on ground floor, interior will be well light and dry, cement floor, free of floor drains and sump-pumps, equipped with exhaust fans, insulated to maintain even room temperatures, metal shelving, separated by classification, no seed, food or fertilizer,
Describe the risks of inadequate pesticide storage facility site security
theft, vandalism, unauthorized access
List the best practices to ensure site security
Warning signs on walls, post and lock storage areas, should not be connected to office spaces, well light, dry, cement floor, no drains, ventilation system, insulated, metal shelves, danger and liquid products stored on lower shelves, separated by classification, no seed, food, or drink, only quantities needed are purchased and kept, neat and tidy
State why it is important to maintain an accurate pesticide inventory
if there is a spill, cross contamination, fire, or other emergency it is important to know what is in the site so that it can be dealt with correctly
List 5 elements of incident response plan
- Designated emergency coordinator (someone in charge in case of emergency)
- Names and numbers of response agencies to be notified
- Outline of critical info to give emergency personnel
- Facility map showing all important info
- Product inventory stored at facility
Who outside of company should have a copy of the incident response plan
Local emergency responders
Define “service container”
Any containing device other than the original labelled container
List the info that must be attached to a pesticide service container
Brand name, EPA registration number, name of active ingredients, percentage of active ingredients
Describe how to triple rinse an emptied pesticide container
- wear proper PPE
- once product is emptied into application equipment allow empty container to drain for 30-6- seconds
- add clean water to 10-25% of container volume, secure, shake or roll container
- Pour rinsate into spray tank allowing to drain for 30 - 60 seconds
- repeat 2 times or until water is clear
- render plastic unusable by puncturing or crushing, dispose in sanitary landfill or recycle
Describe how to prepare multi layer bags for disposal
- empty contents of bag into tank
- shake bag to remove as mush as possible
- cut sides and corners to empty any remaining pesticide
- dispose of bag in sanitary landfill
List legal means for disposal of emptied pesticides containers in Indiana
Properly rinsed containers can be recycled or put in a landfill
diluted or concentrated pesticides can be removed to a designated landfill or can be used for proper application according to their label
Identify container recycling oppurtunities
When a container has been triple rinsed it can be recycled
Discuss disposal options for unwanted dilutes or ready to use pesticide products
these can be taken to a landfill designated for pesticide disposal
which state agency regulates the disposal of pesticides and other hazardous materials
Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM)
Define: Spray Drift
Movement of pesticide in particle form
Caused at the time of application when air movement carries small spray droplets or dust particles away from site of application
Use a large volume nozzle at low pressure , release spray as near to target as possible, avoid high winds, ideal wind is 2-5 mph in opposite direction of sensitive areas, low potential volatilization is ideal in formula
Define: Vapor Drift:
Movement of pesticide in vapor form
occurs after application when pesticides evaporate and it is carried by air movement
avoid high temperature and/or low relative humidity which can cause evaporation and increase drift potential, use formulation with low potential for volatilization
Define: Runoff
movement of water over the land surface, away from its point of origin
caused when water accumulates faster than it can infiltrate the soil
Be aware of the slope of the land, soil moisture content, presence of vegetation or plant residue, climatic factors, pesticide characteristics, untreated buffer zones minimize movement of pesticides into the water
Define: Leaching
movement of water down through the soil profile
chemical and physical properties of the pesticide and certain soil related conditions. Soi texture and permeability. Adsorption of soil depends on the texture and permeable soils have a greater potential for leaching
know the properties of the pesticide, weather, and soil type of area being sprayed
General Pesticide spill response procedures
- Inform supervisor immediately
- confine it to the site and keep it out of the water
- Don’t let unauthorized people enter area until cleaned
- Don’t leave site of spill until it is cleaned or responsible help arrives
- Report spill
- Read product label to determine how to respond and if/ or how to neutralize
- Call OISC about land application of spill material
If minor
1. sweep up dry formulation and apply to ono label approved treatment site
2. soak up liquid spill with absorbent material and apply on label approved treatment site
Identify which state agency must be notified in the event that a pesticide spill threatens a waterway
Indiana department of environmental management
What is the purpose of a backflow device or an air gap
prevent back siphoning of pesticides from spray tanks into water used to fill spray tank
Identify what can happen in the absence of backflow prevention during mixing
pesticide can move in to a water source and contaminate it
Describe the characteristics of an ideal mixing site
Clean, controllable, and spill proof
Define: mandatory label statement
must be followed to used pesticide legally
Define: advisory label statement
gives recommendation’s for improved handling or to maximize pest control
Define: factual label statements
provide information about the product
Describe the purpose of an EPA registration number
It means that the manufacturer has submitted all necessary scientific data required by law and that EPA review of the data supports the conclusion that the benefits of using the pesticide outweigh potential risks
Identify where to find PPE information on a product label
contained within the safety information section
State the relationship between label rates and pest pressure
the range allows applicators to select the amount of product needed for specific situations based on pest pressure and other conditions
List 4 application settings when the Worker Protection Standard is in effect
Farms, forests, nurseries, and greenhouses
Discuss the three basic requirements of Workers Protection Standard
Provide employees with specific information, notifications of applications, and protection equipment
Define the term “restricted - entry equipment”
the length of time following application that workers must wait before entering the treated area
Indicate when on the product labels WPS info is found, including REI
under agricultural use
Distinguish between non-agricultural use re-entry label statement and an agricultural use restricted entry interval
specific re-entry times are not usually listed on non-agricultural use REI but that may have a precaution
List the most common types of equipment to apply pesticides
sprayers and spreaders
Describe Broadcast Treatment
covers large areas
Describe spot treatment
target small specific areas
Describe space treatment
large number of droplets distributed through a volume of air
Explain the purpose of application equipment calibration
it is needed to apply pesticides to their intended target at the proper rate (correct amount of material and desired coverage)
List 3 equipment-related factors that effect application rate
flow rate, operating speed, swath/width size
state where leaks are likely to develop on application equipment
hose and hose connections
Discuss how nozzle wear is determined and how to decide if a nozzle needs to be replaced
worn nozzles will deliver higher flow rate wita distorted pattern, replace nozzle when teh flow rate exceeds approx. 10% of tat of new nozzle
List three common equipment-related factors to monitor during application
flow rate, operating size, swath/width size
Discuss how to visually check equipment to ensure that the calibrated application rate remains the same during treatment
check flow rate, maintain equipment, check nozzle, regular maintenance
Explain why it is important to clean out application equipment between jobs
dried pesticide residue is harder to remove than if the pesticide is still suspended or dissolved in carrier, don’ want cross contamination between pesticides
List proper site characteristics to clean equipment
away from surface water, wells, or sites where runoff or leaching may occur
Explain the proper way to dispose of wash water
recycle water, apply to safe site, used a cleaning pad collection
