Oklahoma Service Technician Practice Exam

When are pesticide residues considered desirable?

1. When they are present during application

2. When they help achieve long-term pest control

3. When they are below detectable levels

4. When they can be easily washed off

The correct answer is: When they help achieve long-term pest control

Pesticide residues are considered desirable when they contribute to long-term pest control. This outcome is significant because effective pest management often relies on the ability of a pesticide to persist in the environment to eliminate pests over time. When residues remain in sufficient amounts, they can deter or kill target pests, reducing the need for repeated applications and potentially leading to more sustainable pest management practices. Having long-lasting residues can enhance the overall efficacy of the pest control strategy, leading to better crop yields or overall health in an area where pests are a problem. The key is ensuring that this persistence does not lead to negative environmental impacts or exceed safety thresholds for human health or non-target organisms. The other options do not reflect the same significance or benefits associated with pesticide use. For instance, pesticide residues present during application can lead to drift or exposure concerns. Residues below detectable levels indicate that there may not be enough active ingredient to provide effective pest control. Lastly, while residues that can be easily washed off may seem favorable from a cleaning perspective, they often do not contribute to long-term pest management effectiveness.