Oklahoma Service Technician Practice Exam

What type of ingredient in a pesticide is designed to aid in application, but does not control pests?

1. Active ingredient

2. Inactive ingredient

3. Major ingredient

4. Minor ingredient

The correct answer is: Inactive ingredient

An inactive ingredient in a pesticide is designed to aid in the application process but does not have a direct role in controlling pests. These ingredients can serve various purposes, such as improving the product's stability, enhancing its effectiveness, aiding in the dispersion of the active ingredients, or making the pesticide easier to apply. Examples of inactive ingredients include solvents, surfactants, and stabilizers. The role of inactive ingredients is crucial because they can affect the delivery of the active ingredient and determine how well the pesticide performs in terms of coverage, retention, and adherence to the target surface. Understanding the importance of inactive ingredients is essential for anyone involved in the application of pesticides to ensure effectiveness and safety.