Oregon Pesticide Practice Test

What should you do after adding pesticide to a partially filled spray tank?

1. Rinse the measuring container and pour the rinse solution into the tank

2. Dispose of the measuring container immediately

3. Store the measuring container for later use

4. Leave the container unwashed

The correct answer is: Rinse the measuring container and pour the rinse solution into the tank

After adding pesticide to a partially filled spray tank, rinsing the measuring container and pouring the rinse solution into the tank is a recommended practice. This approach is crucial for several reasons. First, it helps to minimize pesticide waste, ensuring that the chemical is fully utilized and reducing the environmental impact of any leftover product. When you rinse the measuring container, you also ensure that any residues are completely incorporated into the mixture in the spray tank rather than discarded. This step is important for both safety and compliance with pesticide application regulations. Additionally, thoroughly rinsing the measuring container and adding that rinse water to the spray tank adheres to the principle of integrated pest management, which emphasizes the responsible use of pesticides. It helps in maintaining the effectiveness of the pesticides by ensuring the correct concentration is maintained. In contrast, disposing of the measuring container immediately without rinsing would result in pesticide loss, and storing the measuring container for later use without cleaning it could lead to the risk of cross-contamination with other chemicals. Leaving the container unwashed poses the same risks of contamination and waste, both of which are contrary to best practices in pesticide application.