Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

Only pesticides that are applied incorrectly are likely to move downward with rain or irrigation water into the water table below. What is the true statement?

1. True

2. False

3. Only herbicides

4. Only insecticides

The correct answer is: False

The statement that only pesticides applied incorrectly are likely to move downward with rain or irrigation water into the water table is not accurate. Pesticides, regardless of application method, can leach into the water table under certain conditions. This includes factors such as the chemical properties of the pesticide, soil type, amount of rainfall or irrigation, and the timing of application. Certain pesticides are inherently more prone to leaching due to their solubility in water and other chemical characteristics. Moreover, even well-applied pesticides can end up in groundwater if the environmental conditions are right, such as heavy rainfall immediately after application or poor soil drainage. Understanding the proper guidelines for pesticide application and the environmental factors that influence pesticide movement is crucial in preventing contamination of the water table. Hence, stating that only incorrectly applied pesticides are likely to move into groundwater is misleading, leading to the conclusion that the correct answer is false.