7A GENERAL PEST CONTROLS: UNIT 7.
APPLICATION AND MANAGEMENT
EQUIPMENT - TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Name and describe one popular type of compressed-air sprayer. - ANSWER-The 1-
gallon stainless steel sprayer. This sprayer with a multiple-spray nozzle can apply
insecticides accurately into insect harborages.
Name three commonly used sprayers in general pest control. - ANSWER-Compressed-
air sprayers, backpack sprayers, and power sprayers.
What parts of a compressed-air sprayer should you inspect regularly? - ANSWER-
Check the spray tank inside and out. Look for pinholes and stripped threads. Examine
the check valve and plunger cup of the pump unit for wear and damage. Inspect the
hose for cracks and soft spots. Check the nozzle by using a spray pattern check tray.
For what types of applications might you use a pin-stream nozzle? - ANSWER-Crack
and crevice applications. An injection tool (extension tube) directs and narrows the
stream of pesticide.
For what types of applications might you use a flat-fan nozzle? - ANSWER-For general
or spot applications on even surfaces.
How often should you clean a compressed-air sprayer? - ANSWER-If you use your
sprayer daily, clean it weekly. If you use it less often, clean it after each use.
What are the main purposes of sticky traps or pheromone traps? - ANSWER-To identify
the pest and help estimate the size of the pest population.
True or False: You may safely place insect light traps (ILTs) near food preparation
areas. - ANSWER-False. ILTs may cause electrocuted flies to explode into prepared
food.
Describe the spray pattern delivered by a fan nozzle. - ANSWER-This nozzle puts out a
band of spray. The liquid in the band is distributed like a bell-shaped curve: most in the
center, less toward the edges.
What places on a power sprayer should you check regularly for wear? - ANSWER-
Check the hose and pump for wear and leaks to prevent accidental release. The nozzle
is also a wear point. Check its delivery pattern regularly.
, How might you use a power sprayer? - ANSWER-To apply perimeter pesticide
treatments around homes or apartment complexes. Some product labels also permit
treating the outside surface of homes and other buildings to control insect pests. Other
power sprayers are designed for use on wood floor joists and mudsills in crawl spaces
and basements as well as structural wood in attics, decks, and log homes.
Briefly describe the special precautions for storage of aerosol containers. - ANSWER-
Keep them in a cool place. Overheating can cause the contents to expand, which can
make the container explode.
To mix insecticide concentrates, what temperature water should you put in the spray
tank? Why? - ANSWER-Cool. Warm water helps break down pesticides and increases
their odor. Never use warm water to mix pesticide sprays.
True or False: Backpack sprayers are a good choice to apply pesticides in homes and
small businesses. - ANSWER-False. Backpack sprayers are designed for continuous
spraying of large areas such as commercial food facilities and warehouses.
What are some advantages of using bait stations? - ANSWER-These devices are small
and easy to move and place. They are designed to attract the target pest, not nontarget
organisms. The toxin is contained, so that it is not easily accessible to children and pets.
Name some factors that determine success in baiting for pests. - ANSWER-1. Know
when, where, and how to place baits and bait stations.
2. Choose the baits that you know pests like to eat.
3. If using guns or other injection devices, keep the delivery tube capped when not in
use so the bait does not dry out.
4. Do not contaminate baits with spray insecticides that might make the bait less
attractive to pests.
Name at least three kinds of traps used to monitor, catch, and/or kill pests. - ANSWER-
1. Snap (trigger) traps.
2. Live traps.
3. Glue boards.
4. Insect light traps (ILTs).
What type of pest would you be most likely to catch with a trigger trap? Where should
you place the traps? - ANSWER-Rodents (mice and rats). Place traps close to the
walls, behind objects in dark corners, and in other areas where rats and mice are active.
Place traps so that rats and mice will pass directly over the trigger as they follow their
natural course of travel (usually close to a wall).
Why is it important to match the size of a trigger trap with the size of the target rodent
species? - ANSWER-Using a mouse-sized snap trap to catch rats is inappropriate and
ineffective. Conversely, using a rat trap to catch mice will lead to many sprung traps
with few captures.
APPLICATION AND MANAGEMENT
EQUIPMENT - TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
Name and describe one popular type of compressed-air sprayer. - ANSWER-The 1-
gallon stainless steel sprayer. This sprayer with a multiple-spray nozzle can apply
insecticides accurately into insect harborages.
Name three commonly used sprayers in general pest control. - ANSWER-Compressed-
air sprayers, backpack sprayers, and power sprayers.
What parts of a compressed-air sprayer should you inspect regularly? - ANSWER-
Check the spray tank inside and out. Look for pinholes and stripped threads. Examine
the check valve and plunger cup of the pump unit for wear and damage. Inspect the
hose for cracks and soft spots. Check the nozzle by using a spray pattern check tray.
For what types of applications might you use a pin-stream nozzle? - ANSWER-Crack
and crevice applications. An injection tool (extension tube) directs and narrows the
stream of pesticide.
For what types of applications might you use a flat-fan nozzle? - ANSWER-For general
or spot applications on even surfaces.
How often should you clean a compressed-air sprayer? - ANSWER-If you use your
sprayer daily, clean it weekly. If you use it less often, clean it after each use.
What are the main purposes of sticky traps or pheromone traps? - ANSWER-To identify
the pest and help estimate the size of the pest population.
True or False: You may safely place insect light traps (ILTs) near food preparation
areas. - ANSWER-False. ILTs may cause electrocuted flies to explode into prepared
food.
Describe the spray pattern delivered by a fan nozzle. - ANSWER-This nozzle puts out a
band of spray. The liquid in the band is distributed like a bell-shaped curve: most in the
center, less toward the edges.
What places on a power sprayer should you check regularly for wear? - ANSWER-
Check the hose and pump for wear and leaks to prevent accidental release. The nozzle
is also a wear point. Check its delivery pattern regularly.
, How might you use a power sprayer? - ANSWER-To apply perimeter pesticide
treatments around homes or apartment complexes. Some product labels also permit
treating the outside surface of homes and other buildings to control insect pests. Other
power sprayers are designed for use on wood floor joists and mudsills in crawl spaces
and basements as well as structural wood in attics, decks, and log homes.
Briefly describe the special precautions for storage of aerosol containers. - ANSWER-
Keep them in a cool place. Overheating can cause the contents to expand, which can
make the container explode.
To mix insecticide concentrates, what temperature water should you put in the spray
tank? Why? - ANSWER-Cool. Warm water helps break down pesticides and increases
their odor. Never use warm water to mix pesticide sprays.
True or False: Backpack sprayers are a good choice to apply pesticides in homes and
small businesses. - ANSWER-False. Backpack sprayers are designed for continuous
spraying of large areas such as commercial food facilities and warehouses.
What are some advantages of using bait stations? - ANSWER-These devices are small
and easy to move and place. They are designed to attract the target pest, not nontarget
organisms. The toxin is contained, so that it is not easily accessible to children and pets.
Name some factors that determine success in baiting for pests. - ANSWER-1. Know
when, where, and how to place baits and bait stations.
2. Choose the baits that you know pests like to eat.
3. If using guns or other injection devices, keep the delivery tube capped when not in
use so the bait does not dry out.
4. Do not contaminate baits with spray insecticides that might make the bait less
attractive to pests.
Name at least three kinds of traps used to monitor, catch, and/or kill pests. - ANSWER-
1. Snap (trigger) traps.
2. Live traps.
3. Glue boards.
4. Insect light traps (ILTs).
What type of pest would you be most likely to catch with a trigger trap? Where should
you place the traps? - ANSWER-Rodents (mice and rats). Place traps close to the
walls, behind objects in dark corners, and in other areas where rats and mice are active.
Place traps so that rats and mice will pass directly over the trigger as they follow their
natural course of travel (usually close to a wall).
Why is it important to match the size of a trigger trap with the size of the target rodent
species? - ANSWER-Using a mouse-sized snap trap to catch rats is inappropriate and
ineffective. Conversely, using a rat trap to catch mice will lead to many sprung traps
with few captures.
