Alberta Pest Control Technician – Biting Fly
Identification (2026 Edition)Comprehensive
Alberta Structural & Public Health Pest
Management Practice Exam | High-Difficulty
Multiple-Choice Questions | Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales in Italics |
Professional Licensing & Certification
Preparation
1. Which insect is considered one of Alberta's most significant
daytime biting pests in wooded and wetland environments?
A. House fly
B. Stable fly
C. Black fly
D. Drain fly
Answer: C. Black fly
Rationale: Black flies are aggressive daytime biters commonly
found near flowing streams where their larvae develop. They
are major nuisance pests throughout many parts of Alberta.
,2. Adult mosquito larvae develop primarily in:
A. Dry soil
B. Compost piles
C. Standing water
D. Tree bark
Answer: C. Standing water
Rationale: Mosquitoes require standing water for egg, larval,
and pupal development before emerging as adults.
3. Which mouthpart type allows mosquitoes to obtain blood
meals?
A. Chewing
B. Sponging
C. Siphoning
D. Piercing-sucking
Answer: D. Piercing-sucking
Rationale: Female mosquitoes possess specialized piercing-
sucking mouthparts capable of penetrating skin and drawing
blood.
,4. Which Alberta biting fly is known for breeding in fast-
flowing rivers and streams?
A. Horse fly
B. Stable fly
C. Deer fly
D. Black fly
Answer: D. Black fly
Rationale: Unlike mosquitoes, black fly larvae attach themselves
to submerged rocks or vegetation in moving water.
5. Which family includes horse flies and deer flies?
A. Culicidae
B. Muscidae
C. Tabanidae
D. Simuliidae
Answer: C. Tabanidae
Rationale: Horse flies and deer flies belong to the family
Tabanidae and are recognized by their painful biting behavior.
6. Which mosquito life stage actively feeds on microorganisms
in water?
, A. Egg
B. Adult
C. Pupa
D. Larva
Answer: D. Larva
Rationale: Mosquito larvae consume algae, bacteria, and
organic debris while developing in aquatic habitats.
7. Which Alberta biting fly is most active during sunny daytime
hours?
A. Mosquito
B. Horse fly
C. Fungus gnat
D. Drain fly
Answer: B. Horse fly
Rationale: Horse flies are visual hunters that are especially
active during warm, bright daylight conditions.
8. What characteristic best distinguishes deer flies from horse
flies?
Identification (2026 Edition)Comprehensive
Alberta Structural & Public Health Pest
Management Practice Exam | High-Difficulty
Multiple-Choice Questions | Verified Answers
with Detailed Rationales in Italics |
Professional Licensing & Certification
Preparation
1. Which insect is considered one of Alberta's most significant
daytime biting pests in wooded and wetland environments?
A. House fly
B. Stable fly
C. Black fly
D. Drain fly
Answer: C. Black fly
Rationale: Black flies are aggressive daytime biters commonly
found near flowing streams where their larvae develop. They
are major nuisance pests throughout many parts of Alberta.
,2. Adult mosquito larvae develop primarily in:
A. Dry soil
B. Compost piles
C. Standing water
D. Tree bark
Answer: C. Standing water
Rationale: Mosquitoes require standing water for egg, larval,
and pupal development before emerging as adults.
3. Which mouthpart type allows mosquitoes to obtain blood
meals?
A. Chewing
B. Sponging
C. Siphoning
D. Piercing-sucking
Answer: D. Piercing-sucking
Rationale: Female mosquitoes possess specialized piercing-
sucking mouthparts capable of penetrating skin and drawing
blood.
,4. Which Alberta biting fly is known for breeding in fast-
flowing rivers and streams?
A. Horse fly
B. Stable fly
C. Deer fly
D. Black fly
Answer: D. Black fly
Rationale: Unlike mosquitoes, black fly larvae attach themselves
to submerged rocks or vegetation in moving water.
5. Which family includes horse flies and deer flies?
A. Culicidae
B. Muscidae
C. Tabanidae
D. Simuliidae
Answer: C. Tabanidae
Rationale: Horse flies and deer flies belong to the family
Tabanidae and are recognized by their painful biting behavior.
6. Which mosquito life stage actively feeds on microorganisms
in water?
, A. Egg
B. Adult
C. Pupa
D. Larva
Answer: D. Larva
Rationale: Mosquito larvae consume algae, bacteria, and
organic debris while developing in aquatic habitats.
7. Which Alberta biting fly is most active during sunny daytime
hours?
A. Mosquito
B. Horse fly
C. Fungus gnat
D. Drain fly
Answer: B. Horse fly
Rationale: Horse flies are visual hunters that are especially
active during warm, bright daylight conditions.
8. What characteristic best distinguishes deer flies from horse
flies?
