Oklahoma Service Technician Practice Exam

What distinguishes private applicators from commercial applicators?

1. Private applicators use pesticides for hire

2. Private applicators use pesticides on their own property

3. Commercial applicators do not use restricted-use pesticides

4. Commercial applicators are public employees

The correct answer is: Private applicators use pesticides on their own property

The distinction between private applicators and commercial applicators primarily revolves around the scope of their pesticide use. Private applicators are individuals who apply pesticides to their own property or for the production of agricultural commodities on property they own or lease. This usage is typically focused on personal or farming activities rather than for any business or profit-making purpose. In contrast, commercial applicators are licensed to apply pesticides for hire or as part of their employment, and they provide pesticide application services to clients on their properties. They may also be involved in the commercial sale and distribution of pesticides. Understanding this difference is crucial for safety regulations, licensing requirements, and the application of pesticides according to state law. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the private applicator's unique situation of using pesticides solely for personal or specific agricultural purposes on property they do not necessarily rent or own for business operations.