MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a common application method?

1. Crack-and-crevice

2. Rope-wick/wiper

3. Airplane application

4. Directed spray

The correct answer is: Airplane application

The reasoning for identifying airplane application as not a common application method in certain contexts mainly revolves around the typical environments in which pest control is conducted. Common application methods often include both localized and ground-based techniques tailored for residential, agricultural, or commercial settings. Crack-and-crevice, rope-wick/wiper, and directed spray methods are widely used for precision targeting of pests in specific areas. Crack-and-crevice treatments allow for targeted application in hard-to-reach spaces where pests commonly hide. Rope-wick/wiper applicators are effective for treating grasses or weeds without affecting surrounding plants, which is particularly useful in sensitive environments. Directed sprays are employed to direct pesticides precisely at the target organism, minimizing environmental impact while maximizing efficacy. While airplane application, also known as aerial application, is a legitimate method used in some large-scale agricultural settings for spraying crops, it is less common in smaller-scale pest management practices. Thus, depending on the context of the question regarding general pest control, airplane application is less likely to be a common method compared to the other options provided.