Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

Why may early morning or evening be a good time for pesticide application?

1. Wind speed is lower and humidity is higher than other times of the day.

2. Both wind speed and humidity are lower.

3. Both wind speed and humidity are higher.

4. It is cooler, which increases effectiveness.

The correct answer is: Wind speed is lower and humidity is higher than other times of the day.

The choice indicating that early morning or evening is a good time for pesticide application is based on the environmental conditions typically present during these times. During the early morning and evening, wind speeds are usually lower, which minimizes the risk of pesticide drift to non-target areas. Lower wind speed helps ensure that the pesticide remains localized to the intended application site, reducing the likelihood of environmental contamination and increasing the effectiveness of the treatment. Additionally, these times of day often coincide with higher humidity levels, which can improve the effectiveness of certain formulations. Higher humidity can help to prevent rapid evaporation of the pesticide, allowing it to remain active on the surfaces longer and enhancing its absorption or adherence to target surfaces. Temperature is another factor during these times; it is generally cooler, which can also aid effectiveness by slowing down evaporation rates for liquids and allowing for better absorption by pests. However, the primary reasons center around the benefits of lower wind speed and higher humidity. The other options do not accurately capture the beneficial conditions present during these times, as they either incorrectly state that both wind speed and humidity are lower or higher or mistakenly suggest that temperature alone leads to effectiveness. Understanding these environmental factors is crucial for optimizing pesticide application for integrated pest management.