Pest Control Technician Practice Exam

Which type of pesticides do not build up in the bodies of animals?

1. Bioaccumulative pesticides

2. Non-accumulative pesticides

3. Persistent pesticides

4. Residual pesticides

The correct answer is: Non-accumulative pesticides

Non-accumulative pesticides are designed to avoid bioaccumulation in living organisms, meaning they do not build up in the bodies of animals over time. These pesticides are generally formulated to break down quickly and are typically metabolized or excreted, minimizing their long-term presence in the environment and in animal tissues. Understanding this concept is vital, especially in pest management, to ensure that the impact on non-target species and the ecosystem is minimal. In contrast, bioaccumulative pesticides can accumulate in the fatty tissues of organisms, leading to potentially harmful effects over time. Persistent pesticides remain in the environment and can pose long-term risks, while residual pesticides are those that leave a residue on surfaces after application but are not necessarily characterized by their ability to accumulate in living organisms.