Georgia Pest Control Certification Practice Test - 2026/27 Edition Georgia Department of Agriculture - Structural Pest Control Commission
GEORGIA PEST CONTROL CERTIFICATION – PRACTICE TEST 2026/27
EDITION
100% Correct Questions and Answers with Rationales – State Licensing Exam
Aligned with Georgia Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Commission Licensing Standards and
EPA Pesticide Applicator Certification Requirements
Total Questions: 150 | Sections: 8 | Cognitive Levels: 30% Recall, 50% Application, 20% Analysis | Style: 75% Scenario-based, 25%
Direct Knowledge
This practice examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions distributed across eight content domains reflecting
the Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission licensing blueprint and EPA Pesticide Applicator Certification Core
Standards. Each question has exactly one correct answer; the correct option is marked *[CORRECT]*, followed by
the Correct Answer letter and a Rationale grounded in current Georgia regulations, EPA/FIFRA requirements, and
integrated pest management methodology. Use this exam for self-assessment, structured review, and licensure
preparation. Time allowance: approximately 3 hours (1.2 minutes per question).
Section 1: Pest Identification & Biology
This section contains 25 questions covering Pest Identification & Biology.
Q1: While performing a structural inspection in a crawlspace near Macon, GA, you discover insects
approximately 6 mm long with a two-segmented club antenna, pale cream-colored body, and workers that
have a small fontanel (frontal gland) on the head. Soldier caste specimens have large rectangular heads
with prominent mandibles and no eyes. Which termite species is most likely present?
A. Eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) *[CORRECT]*
B. Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus)
C. Southeastern drywood termite (Incisitermes snyderi)
D. Pacific dampwood termite (Zootermopsis angusticollis)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Reticulitermes flavipes is the dominant structural subterranean termite in Georgia. Soldiers have rectangular
heads with prominent mandibles and a small fontanelle, and workers are pale cream with a two-segmented antennal club.
Formosan soldiers have a large oval fontanelle that secretes a defensive white fluid; drywood termites have no true worker
caste and live entirely within sound wood; Pacific dampwood termites are not found in the southeastern United States.
For Practice Use Only Page 1 150 Questions Total
,Georgia Pest Control Certification Practice Test - 2026/27 Edition Georgia Department of Agriculture - Structural Pest Control Commission
Q2: A homeowner in Savannah, GA, submits insects captured at a porch light. The specimens are pale
yellow-brown, 10-12 mm long including wings, and the wings are covered with dense, small hairs. Body
coloration is honey-yellow. These specimens most likely represent which species, and what management
implication does this carry for a Georgia licensee?
A. Eastern subterranean termite alates; install a soil termiticide barrier only
B. Formosan subterranean termite alates (Coptotermes formosanus); inspect for multiple colonies and
consider above-ground baiting due to aggressive foraging and possible carton nests *[CORRECT]*
C. Southeastern drywood termite alates; recommend whole-structure fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride
D. Carpenter ant reproductives; recommend moisture control and outdoor perimeter spraying
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hairy wings and honey-yellow coloration in coastal Georgia are diagnostic for the Formosan subterranean
termite (Coptotermes formosanus). This invasive species forms large carton-nest colonies, forages aggressively, and
frequently establishes aerial colonies above ground when moisture is available. Georgia licensees must report suspected
Formosan infestations to the Structural Pest Control Commission and treat with both soil and above-ground baiting
stations. Native subterranean termite alates have dark bodies and hairless wings.
Q3: Which anatomic feature distinguishes a spider (Arachnida) from an insect (Insecta) during a pest
identification review?
A. Three body regions and six legs
B. Two body regions (cephalothorax and abdomen) and eight legs *[CORRECT]*
C. One body region, ten legs, and one pair of antennae
D. Four body regions and four pairs of wings
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Spiders (class Arachnida, order Araneae) possess two body regions - the cephalothorax and abdomen - and four
pairs of legs (eight total), with no antennae and no wings. Insects (class Insecta) have three body regions, three pairs of legs,
and typically one or two pairs of wings as adults. Correct identification matters because misidentification of spiders as
insects leads to inappropriate product selection and label-driven application rates that may be illegal under FIFRA.
For Practice Use Only Page 2 150 Questions Total
,Georgia Pest Control Certification Practice Test - 2026/27 Edition Georgia Department of Agriculture - Structural Pest Control Commission
Q4: During an inspection of a kitchen pantry, a customer shows you small (13-16 mm) flattened,
reddish-brown insects with a yellowish figure-eight pattern on the pronotum behind the head. You observe
tiny nymphs nearby. The customer reports seeing them in the kitchen and bathrooms. Which species is
present, and what is its preferred harborage?
A. American cockroach (Periplaneta americana); warm, damp basements, floor drains, and sewer lines
*[CORRECT]*
B. German cockroach (Blattella germanica); cracks and crevices in kitchens and bathrooms near food and
moisture
C. Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis); cool, damp locations such as crawlspaces and floor drains
D. Brown-banded cockroach (Supella longipalpa); warm, dry locations such as upper cabinets and behind
pictures
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The yellowish figure-eight pattern on the pronotum, larger size (13-16 mm typical up to 40 mm), and presence in
kitchens and bathrooms are characteristic of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana. This species prefers warm,
damp areas such as basements, floor drains, boiler rooms, and sewer lines. German cockroaches have two dark longitudinal
stripes on the pronotum; oriental cockroaches are dark, shiny black-brown; brown-banded cockroaches have light bands
across the wings.
Q5: A homeowner reports damage to wool sweaters stored in an attic. Inspection reveals small (2-3 mm)
oval beetles with a mottled pattern of white, black, and orange scales on the elytra. Larvae are hairy,
carrot-shaped with a distinctive tuft of long bristles at the posterior end. Which pest is responsible, and
what life-cycle fact is most relevant for control planning?
A. Confused flour beetle; larvae complete development in 30 days at 80 degrees F
B. Carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci, varied carpet beetle); larvae may take 1-3 years to complete
development depending on food and temperature *[CORRECT]*
C. Cigarette beetle; larvae feed only on tobacco products and stored spices
D. Powderpost beetle; larvae complete development in dry hardwood in 6-12 months
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The mottled scale pattern on the elytra and the hairy, carrot-shaped larvae with posterior bristle tufts identify the
varied carpet beetle, Anthrenus verbasci. Larvae feed on keratin-containing materials (wool, fur, feathers, dried carcasses).
The prolonged 1-3 year larval development means effective control requires sanitation, thorough vacuuming of lint
accumulations, residual treatment to harborage areas, and monitoring over multiple months rather than a one-time
application.
For Practice Use Only Page 3 150 Questions Total
, Georgia Pest Control Certification Practice Test - 2026/27 Edition Georgia Department of Agriculture - Structural Pest Control Commission
Q6: In Georgia, termite swarmers (alates) of the Eastern subterranean termite typically emerge during
which season and time of day, and why is this timing relevant for IPM inspections?
A. Mid-summer afternoons during thunderstorms; indicates a mature colony above ground
B. Daytime during early-to-mid spring after a warm rain, typically between 10 AM and 2 PM; indicates a
mature colony at least 3-5 years old that has produced reproductives *[CORRECT]*
C. Late fall evenings at dusk; indicates that the colony is overwintering
D. Year-round at night near lights; indicates multiple colony founding events
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Eastern subterranean termite alates in Georgia swarm during the daytime in early to mid-spring, often after a
warm rain, between approximately 10 AM and 2 PM. Swarming indicates a mature colony that is at least 3-5 years old and
producing reproductives. This seasonal timing guides Georgia licensees to schedule WDO inspections during the spring
swarm window when fresh swarm castes, wings, or mud-tube construction are most likely to be detected.
Q7: Which statement correctly describes the insect metamorphosis pattern of silverfish (Zygentoma) and
its management significance?
A. Complete metamorphosis (holometabolous) with egg, larva, pupa, adult; larvae cause the damage
B. Gradual/simple metamorphosis (ametabolous) with egg, multiple nymph instars, and adult; nymphs
and adults both feed and damage materials *[CORRECT]*
C. No metamorphosis; adults emerge directly from eggs fully formed
D. Hypermetamorphosis with multiple larval forms of different morphology
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Silverfish (order Zygentoma) exhibit ametabolous development, meaning the nymphs look like miniature adults
and both stages feed on the same materials - starches, paper, glue, fabric, and dead insects. A residual treatment targeting
harborage zones (cracks, voids, behind baseboards) controls both stages simultaneously. Population monitoring should run
for several months because nymphs may take up to two years to reach sexual maturity.
For Practice Use Only Page 4 150 Questions Total
GEORGIA PEST CONTROL CERTIFICATION – PRACTICE TEST 2026/27
EDITION
100% Correct Questions and Answers with Rationales – State Licensing Exam
Aligned with Georgia Department of Agriculture Structural Pest Control Commission Licensing Standards and
EPA Pesticide Applicator Certification Requirements
Total Questions: 150 | Sections: 8 | Cognitive Levels: 30% Recall, 50% Application, 20% Analysis | Style: 75% Scenario-based, 25%
Direct Knowledge
This practice examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions distributed across eight content domains reflecting
the Georgia Structural Pest Control Commission licensing blueprint and EPA Pesticide Applicator Certification Core
Standards. Each question has exactly one correct answer; the correct option is marked *[CORRECT]*, followed by
the Correct Answer letter and a Rationale grounded in current Georgia regulations, EPA/FIFRA requirements, and
integrated pest management methodology. Use this exam for self-assessment, structured review, and licensure
preparation. Time allowance: approximately 3 hours (1.2 minutes per question).
Section 1: Pest Identification & Biology
This section contains 25 questions covering Pest Identification & Biology.
Q1: While performing a structural inspection in a crawlspace near Macon, GA, you discover insects
approximately 6 mm long with a two-segmented club antenna, pale cream-colored body, and workers that
have a small fontanel (frontal gland) on the head. Soldier caste specimens have large rectangular heads
with prominent mandibles and no eyes. Which termite species is most likely present?
A. Eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) *[CORRECT]*
B. Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus)
C. Southeastern drywood termite (Incisitermes snyderi)
D. Pacific dampwood termite (Zootermopsis angusticollis)
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Reticulitermes flavipes is the dominant structural subterranean termite in Georgia. Soldiers have rectangular
heads with prominent mandibles and a small fontanelle, and workers are pale cream with a two-segmented antennal club.
Formosan soldiers have a large oval fontanelle that secretes a defensive white fluid; drywood termites have no true worker
caste and live entirely within sound wood; Pacific dampwood termites are not found in the southeastern United States.
For Practice Use Only Page 1 150 Questions Total
,Georgia Pest Control Certification Practice Test - 2026/27 Edition Georgia Department of Agriculture - Structural Pest Control Commission
Q2: A homeowner in Savannah, GA, submits insects captured at a porch light. The specimens are pale
yellow-brown, 10-12 mm long including wings, and the wings are covered with dense, small hairs. Body
coloration is honey-yellow. These specimens most likely represent which species, and what management
implication does this carry for a Georgia licensee?
A. Eastern subterranean termite alates; install a soil termiticide barrier only
B. Formosan subterranean termite alates (Coptotermes formosanus); inspect for multiple colonies and
consider above-ground baiting due to aggressive foraging and possible carton nests *[CORRECT]*
C. Southeastern drywood termite alates; recommend whole-structure fumigation with sulfuryl fluoride
D. Carpenter ant reproductives; recommend moisture control and outdoor perimeter spraying
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Hairy wings and honey-yellow coloration in coastal Georgia are diagnostic for the Formosan subterranean
termite (Coptotermes formosanus). This invasive species forms large carton-nest colonies, forages aggressively, and
frequently establishes aerial colonies above ground when moisture is available. Georgia licensees must report suspected
Formosan infestations to the Structural Pest Control Commission and treat with both soil and above-ground baiting
stations. Native subterranean termite alates have dark bodies and hairless wings.
Q3: Which anatomic feature distinguishes a spider (Arachnida) from an insect (Insecta) during a pest
identification review?
A. Three body regions and six legs
B. Two body regions (cephalothorax and abdomen) and eight legs *[CORRECT]*
C. One body region, ten legs, and one pair of antennae
D. Four body regions and four pairs of wings
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Spiders (class Arachnida, order Araneae) possess two body regions - the cephalothorax and abdomen - and four
pairs of legs (eight total), with no antennae and no wings. Insects (class Insecta) have three body regions, three pairs of legs,
and typically one or two pairs of wings as adults. Correct identification matters because misidentification of spiders as
insects leads to inappropriate product selection and label-driven application rates that may be illegal under FIFRA.
For Practice Use Only Page 2 150 Questions Total
,Georgia Pest Control Certification Practice Test - 2026/27 Edition Georgia Department of Agriculture - Structural Pest Control Commission
Q4: During an inspection of a kitchen pantry, a customer shows you small (13-16 mm) flattened,
reddish-brown insects with a yellowish figure-eight pattern on the pronotum behind the head. You observe
tiny nymphs nearby. The customer reports seeing them in the kitchen and bathrooms. Which species is
present, and what is its preferred harborage?
A. American cockroach (Periplaneta americana); warm, damp basements, floor drains, and sewer lines
*[CORRECT]*
B. German cockroach (Blattella germanica); cracks and crevices in kitchens and bathrooms near food and
moisture
C. Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis); cool, damp locations such as crawlspaces and floor drains
D. Brown-banded cockroach (Supella longipalpa); warm, dry locations such as upper cabinets and behind
pictures
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The yellowish figure-eight pattern on the pronotum, larger size (13-16 mm typical up to 40 mm), and presence in
kitchens and bathrooms are characteristic of the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana. This species prefers warm,
damp areas such as basements, floor drains, boiler rooms, and sewer lines. German cockroaches have two dark longitudinal
stripes on the pronotum; oriental cockroaches are dark, shiny black-brown; brown-banded cockroaches have light bands
across the wings.
Q5: A homeowner reports damage to wool sweaters stored in an attic. Inspection reveals small (2-3 mm)
oval beetles with a mottled pattern of white, black, and orange scales on the elytra. Larvae are hairy,
carrot-shaped with a distinctive tuft of long bristles at the posterior end. Which pest is responsible, and
what life-cycle fact is most relevant for control planning?
A. Confused flour beetle; larvae complete development in 30 days at 80 degrees F
B. Carpet beetle (Anthrenus verbasci, varied carpet beetle); larvae may take 1-3 years to complete
development depending on food and temperature *[CORRECT]*
C. Cigarette beetle; larvae feed only on tobacco products and stored spices
D. Powderpost beetle; larvae complete development in dry hardwood in 6-12 months
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The mottled scale pattern on the elytra and the hairy, carrot-shaped larvae with posterior bristle tufts identify the
varied carpet beetle, Anthrenus verbasci. Larvae feed on keratin-containing materials (wool, fur, feathers, dried carcasses).
The prolonged 1-3 year larval development means effective control requires sanitation, thorough vacuuming of lint
accumulations, residual treatment to harborage areas, and monitoring over multiple months rather than a one-time
application.
For Practice Use Only Page 3 150 Questions Total
, Georgia Pest Control Certification Practice Test - 2026/27 Edition Georgia Department of Agriculture - Structural Pest Control Commission
Q6: In Georgia, termite swarmers (alates) of the Eastern subterranean termite typically emerge during
which season and time of day, and why is this timing relevant for IPM inspections?
A. Mid-summer afternoons during thunderstorms; indicates a mature colony above ground
B. Daytime during early-to-mid spring after a warm rain, typically between 10 AM and 2 PM; indicates a
mature colony at least 3-5 years old that has produced reproductives *[CORRECT]*
C. Late fall evenings at dusk; indicates that the colony is overwintering
D. Year-round at night near lights; indicates multiple colony founding events
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Eastern subterranean termite alates in Georgia swarm during the daytime in early to mid-spring, often after a
warm rain, between approximately 10 AM and 2 PM. Swarming indicates a mature colony that is at least 3-5 years old and
producing reproductives. This seasonal timing guides Georgia licensees to schedule WDO inspections during the spring
swarm window when fresh swarm castes, wings, or mud-tube construction are most likely to be detected.
Q7: Which statement correctly describes the insect metamorphosis pattern of silverfish (Zygentoma) and
its management significance?
A. Complete metamorphosis (holometabolous) with egg, larva, pupa, adult; larvae cause the damage
B. Gradual/simple metamorphosis (ametabolous) with egg, multiple nymph instars, and adult; nymphs
and adults both feed and damage materials *[CORRECT]*
C. No metamorphosis; adults emerge directly from eggs fully formed
D. Hypermetamorphosis with multiple larval forms of different morphology
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Silverfish (order Zygentoma) exhibit ametabolous development, meaning the nymphs look like miniature adults
and both stages feed on the same materials - starches, paper, glue, fabric, and dead insects. A residual treatment targeting
harborage zones (cracks, voids, behind baseboards) controls both stages simultaneously. Population monitoring should run
for several months because nymphs may take up to two years to reach sexual maturity.
For Practice Use Only Page 4 150 Questions Total
