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QAL CATEGORY B EXAMs package deal LANDSCAPE
MAINTENANCE PEST CONTROL ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS – LATEST 2026
Who is the primary agency regulating pesticides in Texas? - ANSWER -
TDA
What does an IPM approach mean? - ANSWER -"to take a
comprehensive approach that uses biological, cultural, physical, and
chemical controls in a careful, environmentally sound manner.
(Integrated Pest Management)
What is an "economic threshold for pest?" - ANSWER -the level that a
pest population must reach before it becomes cost effective to treat
them.
What are the "Natural Factors" that influence pests? - ANSWER -
Climate, Natural Barriers and enemies, population development and
dynamics, and the availability of shelter, food, and water.
What is "biological control" - ANSWER -involves manipulating the
natural enemies of pests
How should you choose landscape plants? - ANSWER -According to
their water requirements, shade tolerance, and susceptibility to pests.
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What are "preventive Applications" - ANSWER -involves applying a
pesticide before the problem appears.
What treatments occur after you notice the pest or its damage? -
ANSWER -Reactive or Curative treatments
How many feet from surface water or a direct link (such as a well) to
groundwater should you mix and load pesticides? - ANSWER -100 feet
When does "Runoff" occur? - ANSWER -When pesticides fall on an
impervious surface such as a sidewalk or parking lot. They can
contaminate the runoff water.
What is "Residue?" - ANSWER -The trace amount of pesticide that
remains in the environment after it is applied.
What do all pesticides do after application? - ANSWER -Breakdown or
degrade
What causes resistance? - ANSWER -Applicators have relied too much
on pesticides with the same modes of action.
What are "adjuvants" - ANSWER -Products designed to make pesticides
more effective
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Main 3 examples of adjuvants - ANSWER -Surfactants, Stickers,
Colorants
What is a "surfactant?" - ANSWER -A wetting agent that makes liquid
pesticides wetter by reducing surface tension and helping them cover
the target better.
What does a "Sticker" do? - ANSWER -Makes the pesticide remain on
the plant longer.
What do "Aphids" do - ANSWER -produce a colorless, sweet, sticky fluid
called honeydew that attracts ants and flies. A black fungus or sooty
mold often grows on the honeydew.
Examples of "Scale" insects - ANSWER -Mealybugs, Whiteflies, cicadas,
thrips, spider mites.
What are "spider mites" - ANSWER -They are not insects but below
with spiders and ticks in the order Acarina. Of the general pests of
ornamental plants, spider mites are among the most harmful and
persistent.
QAL CATEGORY B EXAMs package deal LANDSCAPE
MAINTENANCE PEST CONTROL ACTUAL
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS – LATEST 2026
Who is the primary agency regulating pesticides in Texas? - ANSWER -
TDA
What does an IPM approach mean? - ANSWER -"to take a
comprehensive approach that uses biological, cultural, physical, and
chemical controls in a careful, environmentally sound manner.
(Integrated Pest Management)
What is an "economic threshold for pest?" - ANSWER -the level that a
pest population must reach before it becomes cost effective to treat
them.
What are the "Natural Factors" that influence pests? - ANSWER -
Climate, Natural Barriers and enemies, population development and
dynamics, and the availability of shelter, food, and water.
What is "biological control" - ANSWER -involves manipulating the
natural enemies of pests
How should you choose landscape plants? - ANSWER -According to
their water requirements, shade tolerance, and susceptibility to pests.
,2|Page
What are "preventive Applications" - ANSWER -involves applying a
pesticide before the problem appears.
What treatments occur after you notice the pest or its damage? -
ANSWER -Reactive or Curative treatments
How many feet from surface water or a direct link (such as a well) to
groundwater should you mix and load pesticides? - ANSWER -100 feet
When does "Runoff" occur? - ANSWER -When pesticides fall on an
impervious surface such as a sidewalk or parking lot. They can
contaminate the runoff water.
What is "Residue?" - ANSWER -The trace amount of pesticide that
remains in the environment after it is applied.
What do all pesticides do after application? - ANSWER -Breakdown or
degrade
What causes resistance? - ANSWER -Applicators have relied too much
on pesticides with the same modes of action.
What are "adjuvants" - ANSWER -Products designed to make pesticides
more effective
, 3|Page
Main 3 examples of adjuvants - ANSWER -Surfactants, Stickers,
Colorants
What is a "surfactant?" - ANSWER -A wetting agent that makes liquid
pesticides wetter by reducing surface tension and helping them cover
the target better.
What does a "Sticker" do? - ANSWER -Makes the pesticide remain on
the plant longer.
What do "Aphids" do - ANSWER -produce a colorless, sweet, sticky fluid
called honeydew that attracts ants and flies. A black fungus or sooty
mold often grows on the honeydew.
Examples of "Scale" insects - ANSWER -Mealybugs, Whiteflies, cicadas,
thrips, spider mites.
What are "spider mites" - ANSWER -They are not insects but below
with spiders and ticks in the order Acarina. Of the general pests of
ornamental plants, spider mites are among the most harmful and
persistent.
