Pennsylvania Pesticide Applicator
Certification (Core Manual) Exam
1. Define pest - Correct Answers -A pest is an undesirable organism that injures
humans, desirable plants and animals, manufactured products, or natural substances.
1. State the 4 main groups of pest and give an example of each - Correct Answers -1.
Weeds (undesirable plant)
2. Invertebrates (insects)
3. Disease agents or pathogens (bacteria or virus)
4. Vertebrates (birds or mammals)
1. Define "integrated pest management (IPM)" - Correct Answers -A pest management
strategy that utilizes a wide range of pest control methods or tactics. The goal of this
strategy is to prevent pests from reaching economically or aesthetically damaging levels
with the least risk to the environment.
1. List 5 benefits of using IPM - Correct Answers -1. IPM helps to keep a balanced
ecosystem.
2. Pesticides can be ineffective.
3. IPM can save money.
4. IPM promotes a healthy environment.
5. IPM maintains a good ppublic image.
1. Discuss how using one or more control options can improve pest control - Correct
Answers -It promotes a healthy environment
1. Describe how selectivity and persistence affect chemical controls - Correct Answers -
Selectivity refers to which organisms it targets while persistence states how long the
chemical will be effective
1. Discuss the importance of pest identification in pest control - Correct Answers -To
determine its significance and the need for control.
1. List 6 general pest management methods - Correct Answers -1. Biological Control
2. Chemical Control
3. Chemical Control
4. Genetic Control
5. Mechanical/Physical Control
6. Regulatory Control
Certification (Core Manual) Exam
1. Define pest - Correct Answers -A pest is an undesirable organism that injures
humans, desirable plants and animals, manufactured products, or natural substances.
1. State the 4 main groups of pest and give an example of each - Correct Answers -1.
Weeds (undesirable plant)
2. Invertebrates (insects)
3. Disease agents or pathogens (bacteria or virus)
4. Vertebrates (birds or mammals)
1. Define "integrated pest management (IPM)" - Correct Answers -A pest management
strategy that utilizes a wide range of pest control methods or tactics. The goal of this
strategy is to prevent pests from reaching economically or aesthetically damaging levels
with the least risk to the environment.
1. List 5 benefits of using IPM - Correct Answers -1. IPM helps to keep a balanced
ecosystem.
2. Pesticides can be ineffective.
3. IPM can save money.
4. IPM promotes a healthy environment.
5. IPM maintains a good ppublic image.
1. Discuss how using one or more control options can improve pest control - Correct
Answers -It promotes a healthy environment
1. Describe how selectivity and persistence affect chemical controls - Correct Answers -
Selectivity refers to which organisms it targets while persistence states how long the
chemical will be effective
1. Discuss the importance of pest identification in pest control - Correct Answers -To
determine its significance and the need for control.
1. List 6 general pest management methods - Correct Answers -1. Biological Control
2. Chemical Control
3. Chemical Control
4. Genetic Control
5. Mechanical/Physical Control
6. Regulatory Control
