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Quizzes > Science

Pest Control Quiz: Test Your Knowledge

Quick, free quiz on pest control test questions. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Louis RedgraveUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration with layered insects including cockroach ant termite and quiz title text on coral background.

Use this pest control quiz to check your knowledge of common pests, their behavior and lifecycles, and safe treatment choices, then see your score in minutes. Want more practice? Explore pest control questions and answers or prepare with the texas pesticide applicator practice test to build confidence.

Which cockroach species is most commonly found in kitchens and indoor environments?
Oriental cockroach
German cockroach
Brown-banded cockroach
American cockroach
The German cockroach thrives in indoor areas such as kitchens and bathrooms due to its small size and preference for warmth. Its rapid reproductive rate makes infestations common. For more details see .
Which rodent is commonly referred to as the 'brown rat'?
Deer mouse
Norway rat
Roof rat
House mouse
The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) is often called the brown rat and is one of the most widespread pest rodents. It prefers ground-level burrows and sewers. More information at .
What symptom is most commonly associated with bed bug bites?
Itchy red welts
Swollen joints
Headache
Blistering rash
Bed bug bites typically appear as small, itchy red welts, often in a line or cluster. They can become inflamed if scratched. For bite identification tips visit .
In Integrated Pest Management (IPM), what is the first step?
Inspection and monitoring
Sealing entry points
Chemical treatment
Setting traps
IPM begins with thorough inspection and monitoring to identify pests, their sources, and entry points. This step guides the selection of targeted controls. Learn more at .
What is the term for the egg case of a cockroach?
Ootheca
Sporangium
Nodule
Chrysalis
Cockroaches produce egg cases called oothecae, which contain multiple eggs. The female carries or deposits the ootheca until nymphs emerge. More on cockroach biology at .
Which of these ticks is the primary vector for Lyme disease in the United States?
American dog tick
Blacklegged tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Brown dog tick
Lone star tick
The Blacklegged tick, also called the deer tick, is the main vector of Lyme disease in the eastern U.S. Its bite can transmit Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. Read CDC guidance at .
What does PPE stand for when handling pesticides?
Pesticide Performance Evaluation
Public Protection Enforcement
Pest Prevention Essentials
Personal Protective Equipment
PPE stands for Personal Protective Equipment and includes gloves, respirators, and protective clothing to reduce exposure. Always follow the pesticide label requirements. See .
Which pest commonly leaves pellet-shaped droppings roughly the size of a grain of rice?
Rodents (rats and mice)
Termites
Bed bugs
Cockroaches
Rodent droppings are typically hard pellets about 1/4 to 3/4 inches long resembling rice grains. Their presence indicates rodent activity. For rodent sign identification visit .
What is the main advantage of snap traps over glue boards for mice control?
Faster kill and less suffering
Attracts more rodents
Reusable many times
Non-toxic disposal
Snap traps provide a quick, humane kill compared to glue boards, which can prolong suffering. They also allow for immediate disposal of the rodent. More trapping tips at .
What does IPM stand for?
Integrated Pest Management
Internal Pest Monitoring
Insect Prevention Mechanism
Instant Pest Mitigation
IPM stands for Integrated Pest Management, which combines multiple strategies to manage pests safely and effectively. It emphasizes inspection, prevention, and targeted treatments. Learn more at .
Which of these is a sign that cockroaches have infested an area?
Small, web-like tunnels
Presence of ootheca cases
Droplets of clear resin
Glistening honeydew
Ootheca cases (egg capsules) are a clear sign of cockroach infestation and contain multiple eggs. Finding them helps confirm active breeding populations. More details at .
What is the primary food source for most bed bug populations?
Stored grains
Human blood
Fungus
Household crumbs
Bed bugs feed exclusively on blood, primarily human, to grow and reproduce. They typically bite at night when hosts are sleeping. For bed bug biology, see .
Which insect life stage involves gradual development without a pupal stage?
Holometabolous (larva)
Complete metamorphosis
Quiescent stage
Hemimetabolous (nymph)
Hemimetabolous insects like cockroaches develop through egg, nymph, and adult stages without a pupal stage. Nymphs resemble small adults and molt several times. For insect development details, visit .
What device is commonly used to monitor stored product pests in grain facilities?
Snap trap
Pheromone trap
Glue board
Blacklight trap
Pheromone traps lure specific stored-product moths and beetles to a sticky surface for monitoring. They help detect early infestations in grain facilities. More info at .
Which substance is most attractive to ants and used as bait matrix?
Sugar-based gel
Protein powder
Diatomaceous earth
Cornmeal
Many ant species forage for sugar and are attracted to sugar-based gel baits. These baits deliver insecticide back to the colony. For ant baiting methods see .
Which animal sign indicates termite presence?
Mud tubes on foundation walls
Visible nests in trees
Sticky honeydew deposits
Floating pellets
Termites build mud tubes to maintain moisture and protection while traveling between soil and wood. Finding these tubes on foundations often signals subterranean termite activity. See .
What is the main difference between contact and systemic insecticides?
Contact are only for outdoor use, systemic for indoor
Systemic repel pests, contact kill them
Contact insecticides must contact pests directly, while systemic are absorbed by plants
Systemic act immediately, contact have long residual
Contact insecticides kill pests upon direct contact, whereas systemic insecticides are taken up by plant tissues and kill insects that ingest or feed on the plant. This difference guides application method. Source: .
Which signal word on a pesticide label indicates the highest acute toxicity?
Caution
Danger
Notice
Warning
The EPA signal word 'Danger' indicates high toxicity via ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. 'Warning' and 'Caution' indicate lower levels of acute toxicity. See label requirements at .
What is the purpose of a pesticide's residual effect?
To repel pests permanently
To increase spray drift
To continue killing pests after application
To neutralize other chemicals
Residual effect refers to a pesticide's ability to remain active on surfaces and kill pests over time. This property reduces the frequency of reapplication. More on residual products at .
Which factor contributes most to pesticide resistance in insect populations?
Repeated use of the same mode of action
Using only organic products
Rotating different products
Applying below label rate
Using the same chemical mode of action repeatedly selects for resistant individuals. Rotating products with different modes of action delays resistance. For resistance management see .
Which termite control strategy uses heat to eliminate infestations?
Fumigation
Liquid soil treatment
Baiting systems
Thermal remediation
Thermal remediation raises structure temperatures to levels lethal to termites without chemicals. It uniformly treats infested areas and is environmentally friendly. Details at .
What is the recommended placement height for rodent bait stations indoors?
Against walls and near runs
Directly under ceiling joists
In the center of rooms
Inside cupboards
Rodents tend to travel along walls, so bait stations should be placed against walls near activity signs. Central room placement is less effective. Guidance from .
Which of these insect growth regulators (IGRs) mimics juvenile hormone?
Chlorpyrifos
Methoprene
Permethrin
Pyrethrum
Methoprene is an IGR that mimics juvenile hormone, preventing insects from maturing. It disrupts normal development and reproduction. For IGR info, see .
Which type of sprayer produces the smallest droplets for penetrating foliage?
Tank sprayer
Backpack sprayer
Duster
Ultra Low Volume (ULV)
ULV sprayers create tiny droplets that can drift into dense foliage for better coverage. They use minimal water and are efficient for space treatments. More on ULV at .
What is phytotoxicity in relation to pesticide use?
Bioaccumulation in soil
Damage to plants caused by chemicals
Attraction of pests to plant hosts
Resistance development in insects
Phytotoxicity refers to harmful effects of chemicals on plant health, causing burning or discoloration. It may occur if products are applied improperly. Read label precautions at .
Which monitoring tool uses sound to detect termite activity inside walls?
Glue trap
Thermal camera
Moisture meter
Acoustic emission detector
Acoustic detectors pick up chewing sounds of termites within wood. This non-invasive method helps locate hidden infestations. Learn more at .
Which pesticide formulation is best for cracks and crevices?
ULV
Granule
Emulsifiable concentrate
Dust
Dust formulations flow into tight spaces and remain as a residual barrier in cracks and crevices. They are ideal for hard-to-reach pest harborage areas. See .
Which factor is least important when choosing a pest control method?
Site conditions
Target pest species
Color of the pesticide
Label restrictions
The color of a pesticide has no bearing on efficacy; key considerations include the target pest, site conditions, and label restrictions. Always follow label guidelines. For more, visit .
Which mite is a common allergen in indoor environments?
House dust mite
Spider mite
Clover mite
Varroa mite
House dust mites thrive in bedding and upholstery, producing allergens that can trigger asthma and allergies. Controlling humidity helps reduce their numbers. See .
Which practice reduces chances of cockroach insecticide resistance?
Rotating chemical classes
Increasing dosage only
Using same product exclusively
Applying after every rain
Rotating products with different modes of action prevents selection for resistant cockroach strains. Overuse of one class accelerates resistance. Read more at .
Which IRAC mode of action group includes pyrethroids?
Group 1 (AChE inhibitors)
Group 7 (Chitin synthesis inhibitors)
Group 5 (Juvenile hormone analogs)
Group 3 (Sodium channel modulators)
Pyrethroids act on insect sodium channels and are classified as IRAC Group 3. They disrupt nerve function, causing paralysis. See IRAC classification at .
What is the primary target site of organophosphate insecticides?
GABA-gated chloride channels
Voltage-gated sodium channels
Acetylcholinesterase enzyme
Chitin in exoskeleton
Organophosphates inhibit acetylcholinesterase, leading to accumulation of acetylcholine and neuromuscular dysfunction. This mode of action makes them highly toxic. More info at .
What ventilation requirement must be met after structural fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride?
Keep doors closed for 24 hours after fumigation
Use no fans during aeration
Vent only through windows
Aerate until gas concentration is below permissible exposure limit
After fumigation, structures must be aerated until sulfuryl fluoride levels drop below OSHA's permissible exposure limits. Proper ventilation reduces risk to occupants. See .
Which specialized plate prevents insecticide granules from drifting in windy conditions?
Splash plate
Vane plate
Diffuser plate
Shank plate
Shank plates on granule spreaders reduce drift by directing granules close to the ground. They improve placement accuracy in windy conditions. Manufacturer info at .
What is the half-life characteristic of an insecticide?
Duration of pest control activity
Interval between label-required applications
Time until 50% of pests are killed
Time for 50% degradation under specified conditions
Half-life describes the time needed for half the chemical to degrade in the environment or organism. It informs reapplication intervals and environmental persistence. EPA data: .
Which grain bin pest can survive very low moisture and high temperatures?
Red flour beetle
Indianmeal moth
Lesser grain borer
Rice weevil
The red flour beetle tolerates low moisture and elevated temperatures, making it a persistent stored product pest. Its resilience complicates control in grain storage. More at .
What is the best chemical alternative for bed bug management with high temperature resistance?
Dust formulation
Neonicotinoid-based spray
Pyrethrin aerosol
Fumigation only
Neonicotinoids act at nicotinic receptors and maintain activity in warmer temperatures better than pyrethrins. They are often used alongside heat treatments. Source: .
Which calibration factor is critical when adjusting a granular spreader's output rate?
Pump output
Sprayer pressure
Ground speed
Nozzle size
Ground speed directly affects the amount of granules deposited per area. Accurate calibration requires matching speed to the spreader's flow rate. Calibration details at .
Which fungal pathogen is used as a biocontrol agent against termites?
Lecanicillium lecanii
Beauveria bassiana
Metarhizium anisopliae
Trichoderma harzianum
Metarhizium anisopliae infects termites by penetrating their cuticle, leading to mortality. It's researched as an environmentally friendly biocontrol. Info at .
Which parameter is NOT part of pesticide spray droplet classification?
Droplet size category
Color of droplet
Droplet spectrum
Volume Median Diameter (VMD)
Droplet color is irrelevant; classification uses VMD, droplet size spectrum, and categories like fine or coarse. These metrics guide drift management. See EPA guidelines: .
What is the key advantage of aerosol foggers in large public spaces?
Precise crack-and-crevice placement
No need for site evacuation
Guaranteed residual control
Wide-area coverage with small droplets
Aerosol foggers release tiny droplets that drift to reach hidden pests over large spaces quickly. They require vacating the area during application. For usage, see .
Which type of mechanical control is most effective for subterranean termites?
Physical barriers (stainless steel mesh)
Snap traps
Glue traps
Sticky boards
Stainless steel mesh barriers prevent termite entry into structures by physically blocking tunnels. They provide long-term, chemical-free protection. More at .
Which insect growth regulator is effective against stored-grain beetles?
Permethrin
Chlorpyrifos
Pyriproxyfen
Pyrethrum
Pyriproxyfen mimics juvenile hormone in beetle larvae, preventing development into reproductive adults. It is approved for stored grain pest management. See FDA regulations at .
Which mathematical model is used to estimate pest population growth under ideal conditions?
Linear growth model
Exponential growth model
Logistic regression model
Poisson distribution model
The exponential growth model assumes unlimited resources, predicting rapid pest population increases. It's useful for early infestation projections. See ecological modeling at .
What is the mechanism of action for neonicotinoid insecticides?
Bind to insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Disrupt chitin synthesis
Inhibit GABA-gated chloride channels
Block octopamine receptors
Neonicotinoids bind irreversibly to insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, causing paralysis and death. Their specificity reduces vertebrate toxicity. More at .
Which pheromone technique disrupts mating cycles of stored-product moths?
Mating disruption through synthetic pheromone release
Mechanical trapping alone
Push-pull strategy
Pheromone-based attract-and-kill
Mating disruption uses high concentrations of synthetic sex pheromones to confuse male moths and prevent them locating females. It reduces reproduction rates. Industry guidance at .
What advanced monitoring technology uses real-time imaging to detect insect movement?
Sticky traps
Lure-and-kill devices
Infrared motion-sensing cameras
Acoustic emission detectors
Infrared motion-sensing cameras detect heat signatures and movement patterns of pests in real time. They enable rapid response before infestations grow. For system specs see .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Common Pest Control Questions -

    Identify key principles behind common pest control questions to recognize pest behaviors and control challenges.

  2. Recall Cockroach Behavior and Lifecycle -

    Describe the stages of cockroach development and typical behaviors to answer cockroach-related pest control review questions accurately.

  3. Analyze Pest Control Questions and Answers -

    Evaluate various pest control questions and answers to discern correct methods and common misconceptions.

  4. Apply Pest Management Strategies -

    Use knowledge from the quiz to suggest effective pest control measures for different infestation scenarios.

  5. Assess Your Pest Control Knowledge -

    Gauge your proficiency with a scored quiz format designed to highlight strengths and areas for improvement in pest control topics.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles -

    IPM combines cultural, biological, and chemical tactics to minimize pest damage and environmental impact (EPA, 2022). Remember the "Four Ds" mnemonic - Deny, Destroy, Divert, and Document - to guide proactive monitoring and decision-making in common pest control questions. This holistic strategy is the foundation of any professional pest control review questions set.

  2. Cockroach Behavior and Habitat Preferences -

    Cockroaches seek warm, humid hiding spots near food and water sources (University of Florida IFAS Extension). When tackling pest control questions and answers, note that German roaches prefer kitchens while American roaches gravitate to basements. A quick mnemonic: "CRAWL - Crumbs, Rust, And Water Lure" helps recall their key attractants.

  3. Pesticide Modes of Action and Resistance Management -

    Understanding chemical classes - such as neurotoxins (pyrethroids) versus growth regulators (IGRs) - is vital for safe, effective treatments (Journal of Economic Entomology, 2021). Rotate active ingredients according to the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) code to delay resistance. A sample calculation: Dose (ml) = Area (ft²) × Label rate (ml/ft²).

  4. Pest Life Cycles and Timing Control Measures -

    Knowing lifecycle stages - from egg to adult - lets you time interventions when pests are most vulnerable (NC State Extension). For instance, targeting bed bug nymphs just after molting maximizes IGR effectiveness. Use the "ELISA" study aid: Egg, Larva/Nymph, Instar, Sclerotize, Adult.

  5. Safety Measures and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) -

    Always consult label instructions and OSHA regulations to select proper PPE - gloves, respirator, and protective suit - for each chemical (OSHA standard 1910.1200). Incorporate "CAP" - Check label, Apply safely, Protect yourself - to reinforce critical steps in pest control review questions. Proper safety not only protects you but also ensures legal compliance.

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