Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

What are the three major chemical families of pesticides?

1. Insecticides, fungicides and rodenticides

2. Organophosphates, carbamates and chlorinated hydrocarbons

3. Broad spectrum, narrow spectrum and systemic

4. Biopesticides, herbicides, and insect growth regulators

The correct answer is: Organophosphates, carbamates and chlorinated hydrocarbons

The three major chemical families of pesticides include organophosphates, carbamates, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. These groups represent specific classes of chemical compounds that are designed to target pests through various modes of action. Organophosphates function by inhibiting an enzyme essential for nerve transmission in pests, resulting in their death. This class includes widely used pesticides due to their effectiveness against a broad range of insects. Carbamates operate on a similar principle as organophosphates, affecting the same enzyme but with a different chemical structure. They provide effective pest control while generally being less persistent in the environment. Chlorinated hydrocarbons, though less common in modern pest control due to environmental concerns, were once widely used. This group includes DDT and similar compounds, which also interfere with nerve function. The other answer options represent different classifications of pesticides or specific groups within the broader categories but do not encompass the three major chemical families recognized in pesticide classification. For instance, insecticides, fungicides, and rodenticides refer to the type of pest being targeted rather than their chemical structure. Similarly, broad spectrum, narrow spectrum, and systemic are terms describing the range of activity or mode of action rather than grouping based on chemical composition, while biopestic