NYS PCO NYS PCO Equipment and Calibration 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When applying a pesticide with a compressed air sprayer, proper technique requires maintaining the wand at:
- A consistent distance from the surface to achieve uniform coverage (Correct answer)
- Maximum reach distance at all times
- Direct contact with the surface
- Variable distances based on operator comfort
Correct answer: A consistent distance from the surface to achieve uniform coverage
Maintaining a consistent wand-to-surface distance ensures uniform droplet size, pattern width, and application rate throughout the treatment.
Question 2: A ULV (Ultra Low Volume) machine is used primarily for:
- Producing very fine aerosol droplets for space or fogging applications (Correct answer)
- High-volume residual spraying of surfaces
- Subsurface soil injection treatments
- Foam applications in wall voids
Correct answer: Producing very fine aerosol droplets for space or fogging applications
ULV machines produce extremely small droplets (< 50 microns) for airborne space treatments targeting flying insects in indoor or outdoor environments.
Question 3: A pressure regulator on a power sprayer maintains:
- Consistent operating pressure at the nozzle regardless of engine speed variation (Correct answer)
- The chemical concentration in the tank
- The temperature of the spray solution
- The flow rate of the chemical concentrate pump
Correct answer: Consistent operating pressure at the nozzle regardless of engine speed variation
Pressure regulators compensate for engine speed fluctuations and tank pressure changes to deliver consistent operating pressure at the nozzle.
Question 4: Backpack sprayer calibration for indoor pest control typically involves measuring output over:
- A timed test of nozzle flow (GPM) at the target operating pressure (Correct answer)
- The total tank volume only
- The walking speed of the operator alone
- The chemical label's maximum rate
Correct answer: A timed test of nozzle flow (GPM) at the target operating pressure
Accurate backpack calibration requires measuring actual nozzle output (GPM) at the specific operating pressure used during the job.
Question 5: What is the purpose of an anti-drip device (check valve) on a sprayer nozzle?
- To stop liquid flow when pressure drops below the operating threshold, preventing drips (Correct answer)
- To increase spray pressure at the nozzle
- To filter large particles from the solution
- To adjust spray pattern width
Correct answer: To stop liquid flow when pressure drops below the operating threshold, preventing drips
Anti-drip check valves close when operating pressure falls, preventing uncontrolled chemical dripping between spray passes.
Question 6: When mixing pesticides, the correct order of addition to the spray tank is:
- Fill tank halfway with water → add wettable powder or flowable → then remaining water (Correct answer)
- Add concentrated pesticide first → then water to full volume
- Fill with water completely → then add pesticide last
- Mix pesticide and water in a bucket → then add to tank
Correct answer: Fill tank halfway with water → add wettable powder or flowable → then remaining water
Adding pesticide to a partially filled tank and filling with water while agitating prevents clumping and ensures proper suspension of the formulation.
NYS PCO NYS PCO Equipment and Calibration 2
When applying a pesticide with a compressed air sprayer, proper technique requires maintaining the wand at: