Georgia Pest Control Exam Preparation: Practice Questions, Correct Answers & Rationales

Georgia Pest Control Exam Preparation: Practice Questions, Correct Answers & Rationales Reference Analysis – Major Topic Areas Identified: · Structural Pest Control (Termites, Wood-Destroying Organisms) · General Pest Control (Cockroaches, Ants, Rodents, Stored Product Pests) · Pesticide Formulations & Classifications · Application Equipment Operation & Calibration · Safety Protocols & PPE Requirements · Regulatory Compliance (FIFRA, State Laws) · Environmental Protection (Groundwater, Drift, Runoff) · Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Principles · Pesticide Toxicity & Human Health Effects · Professional Standards & Documentation · Biology & Behavior of Key Pests EXAMINATION – 80 QUESTIONS QUESTION 1 A pest control technician discovers an infestation in a commercial bakery where small beetles are found in flour and cereal products. The beetles are approximately 1/8 inch long, reddish-brown, and have a distinct snout. These pests are most likely: A. Cigarette beetles B. Flour beetles C. Rice weevils D. Drugstore beetles CORRECT ANSWER: C. Rice weevils RATIONALE: Rice weevils (Sitophilus oryzae) are characterized by their small size, reddish-brown color, and elongated snout (rostrum). They are common stored product pests that infest grains, flour, and cereal products. Their snout distinguishes them from other stored product beetles like flour beetles and cigarette beetles. QUESTION 2 When applying a wettable powder formulation with a compressed air sprayer, which maintenance issue is most likely to occur if the sprayer is not properly cleaned after use? A. Corrosion of the tank B. Clogging of the nozzle and strainer C. Deterioration of the hose D. Gumming of the piston seal CORRECT ANSWER: B. Clogging of the nozzle and strainer RATIONALE: Wettable powders leave abrasive and insoluble residues that settle in the tank and clog nozzles, strainers, and hoses if not properly cleaned after each use. This can affect spray pattern and application rate. The abrasive nature of wettable powders makes thorough cleaning essential to maintain equipment function. QUESTION 3 A homeowner reports seeing large black ants approximately ½ inch long in their kitchen. The ants are seen primarily at night and leave behind piles of sawdust-like material. These characteristics indicate: A. Pharaoh ants B. Argentine ants C. Carpenter ants D. Odorous house ants CORRECT ANSWER: C. Carpenter ants RATIONALE: Carpenter ants (Camponotus species) are among the largest ants found in structures, reaching up to ½ inch in length. They are primarily nocturnal and excavate galleries in wood, leaving behind frass (sawdust-like material containing wood shavings and insect parts). Their nesting behavior creates distinctive piles of debris near their galleries. QUESTION 4 The primary reason for calibrating spray equipment before each use is to: A. Ensure the equipment is functioning properly B. Confirm the pesticide is correctly mixed C. Verify the correct amount of pesticide is being applied to the target area D. Check for leaks in the system CORRECT ANSWER: C. Verify the correct amount of pesticide is being applied to the target area RATIONALE: Calibration ensures that the equipment delivers the accurate rate of pesticide per unit area specified on the label. This prevents under-application (ineffective control) and over-application (waste, potential environmental harm, and label violations). While checking equipment function is important, the primary purpose is accurate delivery. QUESTION 5 A technician is inspecting a home and finds evidence of termite damage in the floor joists. The inspector notices small, round, light-colored pellets approximately 1 millimeter in length scattered near the damaged area. These pellets are most likely from: A. Subterranean termites B. Drywood termites C. Carpenter ants D. Powder post beetles CORRECT ANSWER: B. Drywood termites RATIONALE: The small, round, light-colored pellets described are characteristic of drywood termite frass (fecal pellets). Unlike subterranean termites that use their frass in mud tubes, drywood termites eject their hard, hexagonal (often appearing round) fecal pellets from kick-out holes in the wood. The pellets are typically light-colored due to their primarily woody composition. QUESTION 6 When mixing pesticides, which of the following represents the correct order of operations? A. Add pesticide to water while stirring B. Add water to pesticide while stirring C. Mix pesticide and water simultaneously D. Add pesticide and then water without stirring CORRECT ANSWER: A. Add pesticide to water while stirring RATIONALE: The safe and correct mixing procedure is to add the pesticide concentrate to the diluent (water) while agitating. This ensures proper dispersion and prevents the formation of concentrated mixtures that could splash or cause equipment damage. Adding water to concentrated pesticide increases the risk of splashing and poor mixing. QUESTION 7 A property has a rodent infestation where the pests are nesting in attics and upper stories, have large ears, and are excellent climbers. These characteristics identify the pest as: A. Norway rats B. Roof rats C. House mice D. Voles CORRECT ANSWER: B. Roof rats RATIONALE: Roof rats (Rattus rattus) are distinguished by their preference for elevated nesting sites (attics, upper floors), large ears, pointed noses, and excellent climbing abilities. They are lighter and more agile than Norway rats, which prefer ground-level burrows. House mice are smaller with proportionately larger ears but typically weigh less than 1 ounce. QUESTION 8 A pesticide label indicates a formulation that contains 40% active ingredient by weight and is designed to be mixed with water before application. The formulation type is most likely: A. Wettable powder B. Granule C. Dust D. Emulsifiable concentrate CORRECT ANSWER: D. Emulsifiable concentrate RATIONALE: Emulsifiable concentrates are liquid formulations that contain 30-75% active ingredient and are mixed with water for application. They form emulsions when added to water. Wettable powders contain finely ground particles that suspend in water. Granules and dusts are applied dry without mixing with water.