Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

When should a sprayer be cleaned after use?

1. After every use

2. After each day of use

3. After every week of use

4. Only when contaminated

The correct answer is: After each day of use

Cleaning a sprayer after each day of use is essential for maintaining the equipment's effectiveness and longevity, as well as ensuring safety. Pesticides and chemicals can leave residues that might degrade the sprayer components if left uncleaned, potentially leading to malfunctions and reduced performance in future applications. In addition, daily cleaning helps prevent cross-contamination between different chemicals, which can lead to ineffective treatments or unintended reactions that could be harmful to plants or the environment. Regular cleaning also ensures that any leftover pesticide residues do not pose a risk to the applicator, wildlife, or water sources. While cleaning after every use seems optimal, it may not be practical in scenarios where the sprayer is used multiple times a day. By establishing a routine of cleaning after each day's use, you strike a balance that maintains equipment integrity while ensuring safety and efficacy in pesticide applications.