Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

For which situation are dust formulations typically not used?

1. To treat recreational turf areas

2. To control external parasites

3. To kill indoor pests

4. To eliminate weevils

The correct answer is: To treat recreational turf areas

Dust formulations are often used in pest control due to their ability to adhere to surfaces, allowing for prolonged efficacy against pests. In the context of treating recreational turf areas, these formulations are generally not favored because they can be easily blown away by wind or water, reducing their effectiveness and leading to uneven coverage. In environments where pests are likely to be in contact with ground surfaces—such as those treated for external parasites, indoor pests, or weevils—dust formulations play a critical role. They can remain persistent in cracks, crevices, and on surfaces where pests frequent, providing a more effective solution for those specific situations. For recreational turf, however, alternative formulations like granules, liquids, or aerosols are typically preferred as they can provide a more uniform application and are less prone to environmental influences that can diminish treatment success.