General Structural Pest Control - Study
Guide, Practice Test & Exam Preparation
LATEST UPDATE
Practice Question Bank & Answer Rationale
THIS PACK CONTAINS
150 exam-style multiple-choice questions. Each question includes the correct answer and a complete
rationale for focused revision.
COVERAGE
This exam assesses comprehensive knowledge of structural pest control, covering integrated pest
management (IPM), pesticide safety, insect and rodent identification, control methods, and regulatory
compliance. It prepares candidates for state licensing and certification exams in the United States.
STUDY GUIDE
Recommended duration: 2 hours. Passing target: 70%.
HIGHP - Page 1 of 51
,1. Which of the following is the most appropriate first step when implementing an
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for a cockroach infestation in a commercial
kitchen?
[ ] A. Apply a residual insecticide spray along baseboards and cracks.
[ ] B. Conduct a thorough inspection to identify species, harborage, and contributing factors.
[ ] C. Place bait stations throughout the kitchen and monitor activity.
[ ] D. Advise the client to seal all cracks and crevices immediately.
CORRECT: B. Conduct a thorough inspection to identify species, harborage, and contributing
factors.
IPM begins with inspection and identification to understand the pest problem before taking action. Pesticide
application (A, C) and exclusion (D) are later steps based on findings. Thus, B is the correct first step.
2. According to the pesticide label, which signal word indicates the highest level of acute
toxicity?
[ ] A. CAUTION
[ ] B. WARNING
[ ] C. DANGER
[ ] D. NOTICE
CORRECT: C. DANGER
The signal word 'DANGER' indicates the highest toxicity category (Category I), while 'WARNING' is Category
II and 'CAUTION' is Category III/IV. 'NOTICE' is not a signal word. Therefore, C is correct.
3. A technician discovers subterranean termites in a crawl space. Which treatment method
is most effective for eliminating the colony?
[ ] A. Applying a repellent insecticide to the soil surface.
[ ] B. Installing bait stations containing slow-acting toxicants.
[ ] C. Drilling and injecting insecticide into the foundation walls.
[ ] D. Fumigating the entire structure with sulfuryl fluoride.
CORRECT: B. Installing bait stations containing slow-acting toxicants.
Bait stations with slow-acting toxicants are highly effective for subterranean termites because foragers
transfer the toxicant to the colony. Soil surface sprays (A) are repellent and may not reach the colony; drilling
foundation walls (C) is for drywood termites; fumigation (D) is for drywood termites or severe infestations but
not typically for subterranean.
4. Which of the following is a key difference between the common house mouse and the
Norway rat in terms of behavior?
[ ] A. Mice are primarily nocturnal, while rats are diurnal.
HIGHP - Page 2 of 51
, [ ] B. Rats have a neophobic response to new objects, while mice are curious.
[ ] C. Mice burrow extensively, while rats nest in walls.
[ ] D. Rats are excellent climbers, while mice are poor climbers.
CORRECT: B. Rats have a neophobic response to new objects, while mice are curious.
Norway rats exhibit neophobia (fear of new objects), making them cautious of traps and baits, whereas house
mice are inquisitive and readily investigate new objects. Both are nocturnal (A false). Rats burrow (C false for
mice). Mice are good climbers (D false).
5. When using a pesticide, which of the following personal protective equipment (PPE) is
required by the label for mixing a concentrate?
[ ] A. Chemical-resistant gloves, apron, and goggles.
[ ] B. Dust mask and safety glasses.
[ ] C. Long-sleeved shirt and pants only.
[ ] D. No PPE is required for mixing.
CORRECT: A. Chemical-resistant gloves, apron, and goggles.
Mixing concentrates typically requires chemical-resistant gloves, an apron, and goggles to prevent skin and
eye contact. Dust masks (B) are for inhalation hazards, not mixing. Long sleeves and pants (C) are minimal.
No PPE (D) is unsafe.
6. Which of the following is a sign of a drywood termite infestation?
[ ] A. Mud tubes on foundation walls.
[ ] B. Frass pellets accumulating below kick-out holes.
[ ] C. Soft, spongy wood with fungal growth.
[ ] D. Shelter tubes extending from soil to wood.
CORRECT: B. Frass pellets accumulating below kick-out holes.
Drywood termites push fecal pellets (frass) out of small holes (kick-out holes), which accumulate below. Mud
tubes (A, D) are characteristic of subterranean termites. Soft, spongy wood (C) indicates decay fungi, not
termites.
7. What is the primary purpose of a pesticide's signal word on the label?
[ ] A. To indicate the formulation type.
[ ] B. To convey the relative acute toxicity of the product.
[ ] C. To specify the target pest.
[ ] D. To provide the EPA registration number.
CORRECT: B. To convey the relative acute toxicity of the product.
The signal word (DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION) indicates the acute toxicity category of the pesticide. It
HIGHP - Page 3 of 51
, does not indicate formulation (A), target pest (C), or EPA number (D).
8. Which of the following is a key component of a successful rodent control program?
[ ] A. Relying solely on rodenticides.
[ ] B. Eliminating food, water, and harborage.
[ ] C. Using ultrasonic repellents.
[ ] D. Applying repellent sprays around the perimeter.
CORRECT: B. Eliminating food, water, and harborage.
Sanitation (eliminating food, water, harborage) is fundamental to rodent control. Rodenticides alone (A) are
insufficient. Ultrasonic devices (C) have limited efficacy. Repellent sprays (D) are not effective for rodents.
9. A client reports seeing small, reddish-brown insects in a hotel room, and a technician
confirms bed bugs. Which of the following is the most effective treatment approach?
[ ] A. Fogging with a pyrethrin-based insecticide.
[ ] B. Applying diatomaceous earth to the mattress.
[ ] C. Steam treatment of cracks and crevices followed by residual insecticide application.
[ ] D. Placing glue boards under the bed.
CORRECT: C. Steam treatment of cracks and crevices followed by residual insecticide application.
Steam kills all life stages of bed bugs and reaches hidden areas, followed by residual insecticide for lasting
control. Fogging (A) does not penetrate harborage. Diatomaceous earth (B) is slow and not sufficient alone.
Glue boards (D) are monitoring tools, not control.
10. Which of the following statements about pesticide resistance is correct?
[ ] A. Resistance develops because pests learn to avoid pesticides.
[ ] B. Resistance is caused by the overuse of a single class of pesticide.
[ ] C. Resistance can be reversed by increasing the application rate.
[ ] D. Resistance is only a concern for agricultural pests, not structural pests.
CORRECT: B. Resistance is caused by the overuse of a single class of pesticide.
Pesticide resistance occurs when pests survive exposure and reproduce, often due to repeated use of a
single mode of action. It is not learned (A) but genetic. Increasing rate (C) can worsen resistance. Structural
pests also develop resistance (D false).
11. A technician applies a liquid residual insecticide to a baseboard where the labeled rate
is 0.5% active ingredient. The concentrate contains 25% active ingredient. How many fluid
ounces of concentrate must be added to 1 gallon of water to achieve the labeled dilution?
HIGHP - Page 4 of 51
Guide, Practice Test & Exam Preparation
LATEST UPDATE
Practice Question Bank & Answer Rationale
THIS PACK CONTAINS
150 exam-style multiple-choice questions. Each question includes the correct answer and a complete
rationale for focused revision.
COVERAGE
This exam assesses comprehensive knowledge of structural pest control, covering integrated pest
management (IPM), pesticide safety, insect and rodent identification, control methods, and regulatory
compliance. It prepares candidates for state licensing and certification exams in the United States.
STUDY GUIDE
Recommended duration: 2 hours. Passing target: 70%.
HIGHP - Page 1 of 51
,1. Which of the following is the most appropriate first step when implementing an
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program for a cockroach infestation in a commercial
kitchen?
[ ] A. Apply a residual insecticide spray along baseboards and cracks.
[ ] B. Conduct a thorough inspection to identify species, harborage, and contributing factors.
[ ] C. Place bait stations throughout the kitchen and monitor activity.
[ ] D. Advise the client to seal all cracks and crevices immediately.
CORRECT: B. Conduct a thorough inspection to identify species, harborage, and contributing
factors.
IPM begins with inspection and identification to understand the pest problem before taking action. Pesticide
application (A, C) and exclusion (D) are later steps based on findings. Thus, B is the correct first step.
2. According to the pesticide label, which signal word indicates the highest level of acute
toxicity?
[ ] A. CAUTION
[ ] B. WARNING
[ ] C. DANGER
[ ] D. NOTICE
CORRECT: C. DANGER
The signal word 'DANGER' indicates the highest toxicity category (Category I), while 'WARNING' is Category
II and 'CAUTION' is Category III/IV. 'NOTICE' is not a signal word. Therefore, C is correct.
3. A technician discovers subterranean termites in a crawl space. Which treatment method
is most effective for eliminating the colony?
[ ] A. Applying a repellent insecticide to the soil surface.
[ ] B. Installing bait stations containing slow-acting toxicants.
[ ] C. Drilling and injecting insecticide into the foundation walls.
[ ] D. Fumigating the entire structure with sulfuryl fluoride.
CORRECT: B. Installing bait stations containing slow-acting toxicants.
Bait stations with slow-acting toxicants are highly effective for subterranean termites because foragers
transfer the toxicant to the colony. Soil surface sprays (A) are repellent and may not reach the colony; drilling
foundation walls (C) is for drywood termites; fumigation (D) is for drywood termites or severe infestations but
not typically for subterranean.
4. Which of the following is a key difference between the common house mouse and the
Norway rat in terms of behavior?
[ ] A. Mice are primarily nocturnal, while rats are diurnal.
HIGHP - Page 2 of 51
, [ ] B. Rats have a neophobic response to new objects, while mice are curious.
[ ] C. Mice burrow extensively, while rats nest in walls.
[ ] D. Rats are excellent climbers, while mice are poor climbers.
CORRECT: B. Rats have a neophobic response to new objects, while mice are curious.
Norway rats exhibit neophobia (fear of new objects), making them cautious of traps and baits, whereas house
mice are inquisitive and readily investigate new objects. Both are nocturnal (A false). Rats burrow (C false for
mice). Mice are good climbers (D false).
5. When using a pesticide, which of the following personal protective equipment (PPE) is
required by the label for mixing a concentrate?
[ ] A. Chemical-resistant gloves, apron, and goggles.
[ ] B. Dust mask and safety glasses.
[ ] C. Long-sleeved shirt and pants only.
[ ] D. No PPE is required for mixing.
CORRECT: A. Chemical-resistant gloves, apron, and goggles.
Mixing concentrates typically requires chemical-resistant gloves, an apron, and goggles to prevent skin and
eye contact. Dust masks (B) are for inhalation hazards, not mixing. Long sleeves and pants (C) are minimal.
No PPE (D) is unsafe.
6. Which of the following is a sign of a drywood termite infestation?
[ ] A. Mud tubes on foundation walls.
[ ] B. Frass pellets accumulating below kick-out holes.
[ ] C. Soft, spongy wood with fungal growth.
[ ] D. Shelter tubes extending from soil to wood.
CORRECT: B. Frass pellets accumulating below kick-out holes.
Drywood termites push fecal pellets (frass) out of small holes (kick-out holes), which accumulate below. Mud
tubes (A, D) are characteristic of subterranean termites. Soft, spongy wood (C) indicates decay fungi, not
termites.
7. What is the primary purpose of a pesticide's signal word on the label?
[ ] A. To indicate the formulation type.
[ ] B. To convey the relative acute toxicity of the product.
[ ] C. To specify the target pest.
[ ] D. To provide the EPA registration number.
CORRECT: B. To convey the relative acute toxicity of the product.
The signal word (DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION) indicates the acute toxicity category of the pesticide. It
HIGHP - Page 3 of 51
, does not indicate formulation (A), target pest (C), or EPA number (D).
8. Which of the following is a key component of a successful rodent control program?
[ ] A. Relying solely on rodenticides.
[ ] B. Eliminating food, water, and harborage.
[ ] C. Using ultrasonic repellents.
[ ] D. Applying repellent sprays around the perimeter.
CORRECT: B. Eliminating food, water, and harborage.
Sanitation (eliminating food, water, harborage) is fundamental to rodent control. Rodenticides alone (A) are
insufficient. Ultrasonic devices (C) have limited efficacy. Repellent sprays (D) are not effective for rodents.
9. A client reports seeing small, reddish-brown insects in a hotel room, and a technician
confirms bed bugs. Which of the following is the most effective treatment approach?
[ ] A. Fogging with a pyrethrin-based insecticide.
[ ] B. Applying diatomaceous earth to the mattress.
[ ] C. Steam treatment of cracks and crevices followed by residual insecticide application.
[ ] D. Placing glue boards under the bed.
CORRECT: C. Steam treatment of cracks and crevices followed by residual insecticide application.
Steam kills all life stages of bed bugs and reaches hidden areas, followed by residual insecticide for lasting
control. Fogging (A) does not penetrate harborage. Diatomaceous earth (B) is slow and not sufficient alone.
Glue boards (D) are monitoring tools, not control.
10. Which of the following statements about pesticide resistance is correct?
[ ] A. Resistance develops because pests learn to avoid pesticides.
[ ] B. Resistance is caused by the overuse of a single class of pesticide.
[ ] C. Resistance can be reversed by increasing the application rate.
[ ] D. Resistance is only a concern for agricultural pests, not structural pests.
CORRECT: B. Resistance is caused by the overuse of a single class of pesticide.
Pesticide resistance occurs when pests survive exposure and reproduce, often due to repeated use of a
single mode of action. It is not learned (A) but genetic. Increasing rate (C) can worsen resistance. Structural
pests also develop resistance (D false).
11. A technician applies a liquid residual insecticide to a baseboard where the labeled rate
is 0.5% active ingredient. The concentrate contains 25% active ingredient. How many fluid
ounces of concentrate must be added to 1 gallon of water to achieve the labeled dilution?
HIGHP - Page 4 of 51
