California Vector Control Technician
Certification Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025/2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. What is the primary goal of an integrated vector management
program?
To reduce vector populations to levels that do not cause disease or
nuisance
• Integrated vector management focuses on reducing vector populations while
minimizing harm to the environment and non-target species.
2. Which mosquito genus is primarily responsible for transmitting
West Nile virus in California?
Culex
• Culex species, particularly Culex tarsalis and Culex quinquefasciatus, are the main
vectors of West Nile virus in California.
3. What life stage of the mosquito is targeted by larvicides?
Larvae
• Larvicides are designed to kill mosquito larvae before they can mature into adults
and spread disease.
,4. Which of the following is an example of a mechanical control
method?
Removing standing water from containers
• Mechanical control involves altering the environment to eliminate vector breeding
sites.
5. What is the most effective way to reduce the risk of pesticide
resistance?
Rotate pesticides with different modes of action
• Rotating pesticides reduces the chance of pests developing resistance to a single
chemical.
6. Which agency regulates pesticide use in California?
California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR)
• DPR oversees all aspects of pesticide registration, use, and enforcement in the
state.
7. A pesticide label states "Restricted Use." What does this mean?
It can only be used by certified applicators
• Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) require certified personnel due to higher risks
associated with their use.
8. How many mosquito larval stages are there?
Four
• Mosquito larvae go through four instar stages before becoming pupae.
9. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when
handling pesticides?
Gloves, goggles, and long-sleeved clothing
, • PPE protects applicators from exposure to harmful chemicals.
10. What does LD50 mean on a pesticide label?
Lethal dose that kills 50% of a test population
• LD50 indicates the acute toxicity of a substance—the lower the number, the
more toxic the substance.
11. Which vector is responsible for transmitting plague?
Fleas
• Plague is caused by Yersinia pestis and transmitted through the bites of infected
fleas.
12. What is the most common rodent found in urban environments in
California?
Norway rat
• Norway rats are large, burrowing rodents commonly found near human
settlements.
13. What kind of trap is typically used for monitoring adult mosquitoes?
CDC light trap
• These traps attract adult mosquitoes using light and CO₂ as attractants.
14. Which vertebrate host is essential for the West Nile virus cycle?
Birds
• Birds act as amplifying hosts for West Nile virus, allowing the virus to multiply.
15. What is the best method to assess the density of mosquito larvae in
a water body?
Dipping with a standard dipper
, • Dippers are used to collect mosquito larvae from aquatic habitats.
16. How should empty pesticide containers be disposed of?
Triple-rinsed and taken to a hazardous waste facility
• Proper disposal prevents environmental contamination and human exposure.
17. Which insecticide class includes permethrin?
Pyrethroids
• Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid with neurotoxic effects on insects.
18. Which tick-borne disease is most commonly reported in California?
Lyme disease
• Lyme disease is transmitted by Ixodes pacificus, the western black-legged tick.
19. The term "vector" refers to:
An organism that transmits a pathogen from one host to another
• Vectors are often arthropods such as mosquitoes, fleas, or ticks.
20. What is a common sign of a rodent infestation?
Gnaw marks and droppings
• These are indicators of rodent activity in an area.
21. What time of day are Aedes mosquitoes most active?
Daytime
• Aedes mosquitoes, such as Aedes aegypti, are diurnal biters.
22. The best approach to managing pesticide drift is:
Apply pesticides during calm weather and with proper nozzles
• Minimizing drift protects non-target areas and the environment.
Certification Exam Questions And
Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025/2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary goal of an integrated vector management
program?
To reduce vector populations to levels that do not cause disease or
nuisance
• Integrated vector management focuses on reducing vector populations while
minimizing harm to the environment and non-target species.
2. Which mosquito genus is primarily responsible for transmitting
West Nile virus in California?
Culex
• Culex species, particularly Culex tarsalis and Culex quinquefasciatus, are the main
vectors of West Nile virus in California.
3. What life stage of the mosquito is targeted by larvicides?
Larvae
• Larvicides are designed to kill mosquito larvae before they can mature into adults
and spread disease.
,4. Which of the following is an example of a mechanical control
method?
Removing standing water from containers
• Mechanical control involves altering the environment to eliminate vector breeding
sites.
5. What is the most effective way to reduce the risk of pesticide
resistance?
Rotate pesticides with different modes of action
• Rotating pesticides reduces the chance of pests developing resistance to a single
chemical.
6. Which agency regulates pesticide use in California?
California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR)
• DPR oversees all aspects of pesticide registration, use, and enforcement in the
state.
7. A pesticide label states "Restricted Use." What does this mean?
It can only be used by certified applicators
• Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) require certified personnel due to higher risks
associated with their use.
8. How many mosquito larval stages are there?
Four
• Mosquito larvae go through four instar stages before becoming pupae.
9. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential when
handling pesticides?
Gloves, goggles, and long-sleeved clothing
, • PPE protects applicators from exposure to harmful chemicals.
10. What does LD50 mean on a pesticide label?
Lethal dose that kills 50% of a test population
• LD50 indicates the acute toxicity of a substance—the lower the number, the
more toxic the substance.
11. Which vector is responsible for transmitting plague?
Fleas
• Plague is caused by Yersinia pestis and transmitted through the bites of infected
fleas.
12. What is the most common rodent found in urban environments in
California?
Norway rat
• Norway rats are large, burrowing rodents commonly found near human
settlements.
13. What kind of trap is typically used for monitoring adult mosquitoes?
CDC light trap
• These traps attract adult mosquitoes using light and CO₂ as attractants.
14. Which vertebrate host is essential for the West Nile virus cycle?
Birds
• Birds act as amplifying hosts for West Nile virus, allowing the virus to multiply.
15. What is the best method to assess the density of mosquito larvae in
a water body?
Dipping with a standard dipper
, • Dippers are used to collect mosquito larvae from aquatic habitats.
16. How should empty pesticide containers be disposed of?
Triple-rinsed and taken to a hazardous waste facility
• Proper disposal prevents environmental contamination and human exposure.
17. Which insecticide class includes permethrin?
Pyrethroids
• Permethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid with neurotoxic effects on insects.
18. Which tick-borne disease is most commonly reported in California?
Lyme disease
• Lyme disease is transmitted by Ixodes pacificus, the western black-legged tick.
19. The term "vector" refers to:
An organism that transmits a pathogen from one host to another
• Vectors are often arthropods such as mosquitoes, fleas, or ticks.
20. What is a common sign of a rodent infestation?
Gnaw marks and droppings
• These are indicators of rodent activity in an area.
21. What time of day are Aedes mosquitoes most active?
Daytime
• Aedes mosquitoes, such as Aedes aegypti, are diurnal biters.
22. The best approach to managing pesticide drift is:
Apply pesticides during calm weather and with proper nozzles
• Minimizing drift protects non-target areas and the environment.
