3A ORNAMENTAL PEST CONTROL:
UNIT 1. INTRODUCTION - TEST YOUR
KNOWLEDGE
What is the main purpose of this manual? - ANSWER-To prepare people for the
Ornamental Pest Control (3A) certification examination. In general, it is a reference for
safe and effective pesticide and pest management decisions for professionals installing
or maintaining ornamentals.
How do ornamental plantings enhance people's lives? - ANSWER-1. Plants filter
pollutants from the air.
2. Plant roots anchor soil and prevent erosion.
3. Plants provide food and shelter for animals we value or enjoy.
4. Trees offer shade. Some types of trees and shrubs are effective windbreaks. As a
result, well-planned landscapes can reduce heating and cooling costs.
5. Along rights-of-way, shrub plantings make roadways safer. They reduce glare, serve
as a crash barrier, and add interest and color to the corridor.
6. Many types of plantings reduce noise.
7. The beauty of landscapes and interiorscapes contributes to our sense of well-being.
True or False: A commercial applicator who uses pesticides to control turf pests needs
certification in Category 3A. - ANSWER-False. Use of pesticides to maintain turf
requires certification in Category 3B (Turf Pest Control).
What are the main categories of pests that harm ornamental plants? - ANSWER-
Insects, mites, diseases, nematodes, mollusks, and weeds. Certain vertebrates may
also harm ornamentals. However, vertebrate pest control is outside the scope of this
manual.
As an ornamental plant manager, how should you approach a pesticide operation? -
ANSWER-1. Be well informed about the target pest, the site, and the specifics of the
operation.
2. Listen to and respect public concerns.
3. Use great care every time you apply pesticides.
UNIT 1. INTRODUCTION - TEST YOUR
KNOWLEDGE
What is the main purpose of this manual? - ANSWER-To prepare people for the
Ornamental Pest Control (3A) certification examination. In general, it is a reference for
safe and effective pesticide and pest management decisions for professionals installing
or maintaining ornamentals.
How do ornamental plantings enhance people's lives? - ANSWER-1. Plants filter
pollutants from the air.
2. Plant roots anchor soil and prevent erosion.
3. Plants provide food and shelter for animals we value or enjoy.
4. Trees offer shade. Some types of trees and shrubs are effective windbreaks. As a
result, well-planned landscapes can reduce heating and cooling costs.
5. Along rights-of-way, shrub plantings make roadways safer. They reduce glare, serve
as a crash barrier, and add interest and color to the corridor.
6. Many types of plantings reduce noise.
7. The beauty of landscapes and interiorscapes contributes to our sense of well-being.
True or False: A commercial applicator who uses pesticides to control turf pests needs
certification in Category 3A. - ANSWER-False. Use of pesticides to maintain turf
requires certification in Category 3B (Turf Pest Control).
What are the main categories of pests that harm ornamental plants? - ANSWER-
Insects, mites, diseases, nematodes, mollusks, and weeds. Certain vertebrates may
also harm ornamentals. However, vertebrate pest control is outside the scope of this
manual.
As an ornamental plant manager, how should you approach a pesticide operation? -
ANSWER-1. Be well informed about the target pest, the site, and the specifics of the
operation.
2. Listen to and respect public concerns.
3. Use great care every time you apply pesticides.
