ACE PRACTICE EXAM

Chloropicrin is commonly added to structural fumigants for what purpose?

A) To alert/deter people that a fumigant is in use and the area is dangerous
B) To improve the efficacy of the fumigant (synergist)
C) To hasten aeration
D) To help the fumigant spread within a structure

Bromadialone is what kind of rodenticide?

A) Neurotoxin
B) Second-generation anticoagulant
C) Stomach poison
D) To alert/deter people that a fumigant is in use and the area is dangerous

Which ant has an odor when crushed that can aid you in identification?

Carpenter ant
Tawny crazy ant
Larger yellow ant
Odorous house ant

American cockroaches, Periplaneta americana, are most likely to be found where?

A) Mulch
B) Sewers
C) Basements
D) Tree holes

If you monitor and inspect properly and can't find anything, yet your customer is complaining of being bitten, they almost certainly are experiencing delusory parasitosis. TRUE or FALSE
True False

Which of these beetle families is not considered a WDI?

Cerambycidae
Buprestidae
Carabidae
Scolytidae

When an insect molts, it loses the contents of its gut in the process. TRUE or FALSE
True False

The key to controlling small flies in structures is what?

A) Improving sanitation
B) Removal of potted plants
C) Proper installation of insect light traps
D) Targeted application of residual insecticides

IPM originated in what setting?

A) Hospitals and healthcare facilities
B) Food-processing plants
C) Agriculture
D) Schools

Brown widow spiders, Lactrodectus geometricus, are most likely to be found where?

A) On the exterior of buildings and barns
B) Indoors
C) Brown widow spiders aren't found in North America
D) On vegetation near water

The "I" in IPM stands for integrated. What is the best definition of integrated as is applies to the principles of IPM?

Only using non-chemical control strategies only
Following state and federal pesticide applications
Considering and using a variety of control strategies including cultural, behavioral, chemical, and non-chemical
Using the least-toxic chemicals regardless of effectiveness

What is the order of life stages for insects with complete metamorphosis?

A) Egg, Larva, Sub-imago, Adult
B) Egg, Larva, Pupa, Adult
C) Egg, Nymph, Pupa, Adult
D) Egg, Nymph, Larva, Adult

"Tramp ant" is a term that is applied to species that reproduce at least in part by budding, have multiple queens, and may share workers between colonies. Which of these species is not a tramp ant?

Odorous house ant, Tapinoma sessile
Argentine ant, Linepithema humile
Carpenter ant, Camponotus spp.
Pharaoh ant, Monomorium pharaonis

What is the next level of classification of living things underneath Kingdom?

Phylum
Class
Order
Domain

Which of these is a part of each step in an IPM program?

Documentation and communication
Inspection
Monitoring
Correct pest ID

Permethrin works via what type of mode of action?

A) Preventing energy production
B) Metabolic inhibition
C) Overloading of nicotinic receptors
D) Nervous system toxin

Cockroach oothecae typically contain 2 eggs per segment. TRUE or FALSE
True False

Black/roof rats, Rattus rattus, can be differentiated from the Norway rat by all of the following physical traits except:

A) A slight and slender body
B) Tail shorter than the head and body
C) Pointed nose
D) Small eyes

Which of these insecticides is derived from a plant?

Permethrin
Cyantraniliprole
Cyfluthrin
Boric acid

Indian meal moth pupae are typically found where?

A) On the ceiling
B) In crevices or at wall/ceiling junctures
C) On the undersides of tables or shelves
D) Near the larval food source

What is a reasonable course of action when environmental conditions are not favorable for spray applications?

A) Using a higher spray pressure
B) Using a granular formulation if results are not expected to be dissimilar
C) Use a dust or wettable powder if results are not expected to be dissimilar
D) As long as you keep your spray low, weather isn't a concern

Which of these morphological traits is the least reliable in identifying ants?

A) Antennal features
B) Shape of the thorax
C) Number of leg segments
D) Number of nodes

Which part of the body is most likely to be exposed to insecticides during typical use?

A) Hands
B) Other
C) Mouth
D) Eyes

Carpet beetle larvae have a very distinct appearance. What morphological feature is most noteworthy?

A) Prominent urogomphi
B) A tail-like appendage
C) Prominent setae (hairs) covering the body
D) Bright coloration

New carpenter ant colonies are founded by:

A) Swarming
B) Student Answer
C) Both
D) Budding

Pronounced physical differences between males and females of the same species are called:

A) Genetic gender imbalance
B) Sexual dimorphism
C) Ecdysis
D) Scleritization

Which of these pests is not commonly associated with new buildings?

A) Booklouse
B) Plaster beetle
C) Indian meal moth
D) Silverfish

What type of metamorphosis do fleas experience?

A) Holometaboly (complete metamorphosis)
B) Ametaboly (no metamorphosis)
C) Hemimetaboly (incomplete metamorphosis)

Which control strategy will be the most cost-effective method to reducing the impact of pigeons on a building?

Chemical repellents
Visual repellents
Auditory repellents
Mechanical repellents

Which of the following active ingredients is not used as a fumigant?

A) Methyl bromide
B) Phosphine gas
C) Sulfluramid
D) Sulfuryl fluoride

Indian meal moths, Plodia interpunctella, are not attracted to light. TRUE or FALSE
True False

Exclusion is a major part of any IPM program. Which type of material would be best suited to seal any holes larger than 1/2" diameter?

A) Expanding foam
B) Latex-acrylic caulk
C) Silicone caulk
D) Plastic plugs

In what region are you most likely to find the hobo spider, Tegenaria agrestis?

A) Desert Southwest
B) Pacific Northwest
C) Great Lakes/Upper Midwest
D) Southeast

Which of the following may be an underlying cause for a customer complaining of bites.

A) Allergic reaction
B) Electrically-charged paper fragments
C) Drug side effect
D) All of the above

The first step in an IPM program is what?

A) Identification
B) It depends on the specifics of each case
C) Inspection
D) Monitoring

When treating a ground-nest of a stinging insect, your methods are the same whether it is a social or solitary species. TRUE or FALSE
True False

Aerosol insecticides may contain solid or liquid particles. TRUE or FALSE
True False

To combat insecticide resistance, using varying concentrations is sufficient. TRUE or FALSE
True False

What are the openings on the insect body that allow for gas exchange to occur?

Bed bugs are bat bugs and can be distinguished based on _ .

Which of the following is not considered a condition conducive to ant infestations inside of a building?

Tight building syndrome
Cracks in foundations and walls
Vegetation in contact with the building
Poor sanitation

Which of these house mouse, Mus musculus, facts is not true?

A) Their lifespan is typically less than one year long
B) They reach sexual maturity in 8 weeks
C) Males are very territorial
D) Feces are 1/4" long and pointed

Which of the following insects would least likely to be found breeding indoors?

A) German cockroach (Blatella germanica)
B) Fungus gnats (Fungi voridae)
C) Phorid flies (Phoridae)
D) Mosquitoes (Culicidae)

Which of these stored product beetles has adults that are 1/16"-1/8", are reddish brown, have clubbed antennae, and a head that is barely (or not) visible from above?

Merchant grain beetle, Oryzaephilus mercator
Drugstore beetle, Stegobium paniceum
Corn weevil, Sitophilus zeamais
Warehouse beetle, Trogoderma variable

Which of these differences between drywood and subterranean termites is not true?

A) Mature subterranean termite colonies are substantially larger
B) Drywood termites have a wider distribution
C) Drywood termites do not need soil contact
D) Drywood termite colonies lack true workers

Piperonyl butoxide (PBO) is used as what in insecticides?

Synergist
Surfactant
Carrier
Suspension agent

Insects have a closed circulatory system. TRUE or FALSE
True False

Silverfish need access to water in order to survive. TRUE or FALSE
True False

Firebrats have what type of metamorphosis?

Red imported fire ants have # nodes

What part of the insect body is responsible for locomotion?

Which of these is not an ant worker morph scheme:

A) Dimorphic
B) Monomorphic
C) Polymorphic
D) Trimorphic

Monitoring is essential when setting up _ _, and even more important after those decisions have been _ .

A developing immature insect always has the same number of instars during its development as other developing insects of the same species. TRUE or FALSE
True False

Subterranean termites soldiers are not capable of a r_ m_ to become a worker again.

When initiating a baiting program for Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), what is the recommended distance between bait stations?

Pscocids have what distinguishing morphological trait?

A) 3 caudal filaments
B) Fossorial forelegs
C) Furcula
D) Swollen clypeus

Which of the following is most likely associated with moldy flour?

Confused flour beetle
Foreign grain beetle
Cigarette beetle
Merchant grain beetle

Which of the following is not a route of insecticide exposure?


A) Breathing
B) Sublimation
C) Mouth
D) Skin

Which inspection tool is most essential to perform a thorough general inspection?

Centipedes have how many pairs of legs per body segment?

Where are you most likely to find a brown-banded cockroach (Supella longipalpa)?

A) Behind a picture frame
B) In an unfinished basement
C) Behind a kitchen appliance
D) Under the bathroom sink

A pharaoh ant infestation has been identified in a large apartment complex. What of the following would be the least effective control strategy in this situation?

A) Use of protein-based baits
B) Use of a repellent insecticide spray in infested apartment units
C) Thorough inspection, including pre-baiting and extensive monitoring
D) Use of carbohydrate-based baits

The European starling, Sternus vulgaris, is considered a pest for all these reasons but one.

A) They can transmit disease
B) They leave feces and nesting materials behind
C) They cause considerable damage to rigid foam board and soft insulation
D) Nesting on and even in buildings

There are 4 categories of pesticide toxicity, which is the most dangerous?

1
2
3
4

To what class of chemicals does noviflumuron belong?

A) Nicotinoids
B) Halogenated pyrroles
C) Benzylureas

A good PMP can accurately date subterranean termite damage.

True or False
True False

What is an LD50?

A) The concentration of an insecticide that kills 50% of a population
B) The label rate of an insecticide
C) A dose of an insecticide equivalent to 50 parts per million
D) The dose of an insecticide needed to kill 50% of insects

In which location are you most likely to find moth fly larvae?

Carrion
Garbage
Spilled syrup from a soft drink machine
Near biotic film in floor drains

Sitotroga cerealella is the scientific name for what stored product pest?

Saw-toothed grain beetle
Angoumois grain moth
Brown spider beetle
Confused flour beetle

Which of the following is a known vector of chikungunya?

Horse fly
Brown dog tick
Aedes spp. mosquitoes
Culex spp. mosquitoes

Bed bugs are in what family?

Cimex
Hemiptera
Cimicidae
Insecta

Most brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) bites are painless and result in minor, self-healing reactions.

True or False
True False

Which of these best describes cultural pest management?

A) The use of low-impact control strategies like baits
B) The use of non-chemical methods like freezing or super-heating pests
C) Modifying the environment to make it less conducive to pest activity
D) Applying pest management strategies borrowed from other parts of the world

Bed bugs, Cimex lectularius, are increasingly becoming resistant to insecticides. T OR F
True False

The house mouse, Mus musculus, typically gets over apprehension around new food and objects faster than Norway rats or black/roof rats. T OR F
True False

The rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, is what type of feeder?

A) Scavenger
B) Internal
C) External
D) Secondary pest

Deer flies and horse flies belong to what family?

A) Tabanidae
B) Tipulidae
C) Muscidae
D) Tachinidae

What is required for pesticide resistance to develop in a pest population?

A) Some individuals with a natural resistance to that chemical class
B) A highly toxic pesticide
C) Rotation of insecticides used with an emphasis on using multiple chemical classes and formulations
D) A large portion of the population to avoid exposure to an insecticide

What term is used to describe a restriction placed on importing certain materials?

A) Quarantine
B) Security measure
C) Invasive species
D) Prohibition

Which of the following characteristics is not true of pharaoh ants, Monomorium pharaonis?

A) Worker ants can mechanically transmit pathogens
B) Readily forages outdoors in warm weather
C) New colonies are formed via budding
D) Most colonies are bait averse

European honey bees and Africanized honey bees are difficult to tell apart. What morphological feature can you use to separate them?

Wing length
Size
Hair on the abdomen
Configuration of the pollen basket

In what chemical class do you find fipronil?

A) Organochloride
B) Halogenated pyrrole
C) Neonicotinoid
D) Phenylpyrazole

What order of insects contains the most species?What order of insects contains the most species?

Hymenoptera
Diptera
Lepidoptera
Coleoptera

Approximately what percentage of bats in North America carry rabies?

5%
10%
15%
20%

What type of mouthparts do house flies (Musca domestica) possess?

Chewing
Sponging
Siphoning
Piercing-sucking

What is the most important identifying feature of spiders?

A) Arrangement of mouthparts
B) Size
C) Number and arrangement of eyes
D) Genitalia

Which type of spray is more prone to unintended insectidal drift?

Mist
Fine
Corse
They are all likely to drift

Which of these active ingredients is used in a repellent termiticide?

A) Bifenthrin
B) Imidacloprid
C) Hexaflumuron

Carpenter ants are in what sub-family and genus?

A) Formicinae and Camponotus
B) Formicidae and Camponotus
C) Formicinae and Crematogaster
D) Formicidae and Crematogaster

Pesticides must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency as well as any states in which they are sold. T OR F
True False

Pheromone lures that attract Indian meal moths (Plodia interpunctella) will also attract which moth?

Angoumois grain moth, Sitotroga cerealella
European grain moth, Nemapogon granella
Mediterranean flour moth, Ephestia kuehniella
Casemaking clothes moth, Tinea pellionella

The cigarette beetle, Lasioderma serricorne, is well-known for infesting tobacco. Which of these things does the cigarette beetle not readily infest?

A) Pet food
B) Rodent bait
C) Table beans
D) Ginger

Which active ingredient can successfully be used to flush cockroaches from harborages?

Fipronil
Cyfluthrin
Indoxacarb
Imidacloprid

Which route of pesticide exposure is most significant?

A) They are all equal
B) Dermal
C) Oral
D) Breathing

Which termite is native to China but has been spreading across the southeastern United States for several decades?

Eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes
Powder-post termite, Cryptotermes brevis
Conehead termite, Nasutitermes corniger
Formosan termite, Coptotermes formosanus

Cigarette beetles, Lasioderma serricorne, most resemble what other stored product beetle?

A) Yellow mealworm, Tenebrio molitor
B) Drugstore beetle, Stegobium paniceum
C) Lesser grain borer, Rhyzopertha dominica
D) Varied carpet beetle, Anthrenus verbasci

Bat eviction is a time-sensitive and labor-intensive process because bats are protected wildlife in most states. T OR F
True False

What federal regulation is most important for the registration and use of insecticides?

A) FIFRA
B) FQPA
C) FFDCA
D) FEPCA

What is likely to result from an over-reliance on pesticides to solve all pest problems?

A) Unintended negative effects on non-target organisms
B) Potential for pesticide residues in the environment
C) The development of insecticide resistance
D) All of the above

Oriental cockroaches are most likely to be found where:

Commercial kitchen
At or below ground level
In tree holes and mulch
The same places as American cockroaches

What is one disadvantage of using rodent bait pellets instead of bait blocks?

A) Multiple feedings are required
B) More prone to be attacked by stored product beetles
C) Pellets are more likely to be scattered by rodents
D) Rodents are less likely to ingest a sufficient dose

The active ingredient hexaflumuron is most likely to be found in what type of product?

Commodity fumigant
Termite bait
Rodent bait
Mosquito adulticide

The best way to differentiate between American, Australian, and brown cockroaches is what?

A) The patterning on the pronotum
B) The number of tarsal segments
C) Size
D) The number of antennal segments

Spiders have two body regions, what are they?

Head and abdomen
Head and thorax
Cephalothorax and abdomen
Thorax and abdomen

The most important disadvantage of electrocuting light traps in and around food processing plants is:

A) Too loud
B) Too expensive
C) Not effective in all locations
D) Potential contamination of food prep surfaces

Family-level names typically end with what suffix?

-dae
-nae
-era
-da

Which of the following is not true when it comes to the Pharaoh ant, Monomorium pharaonis.

A) They might forage inside and outside
B) They may swarm indoors
C) They may nest in structural voids
D) Multiple queens may be present in a colony

Cockroaches experience what type of metamorphosis?

A) Ametaboly (no metamorphosis)
B) Hemimetaboly (incomplete metamorphosis)
C) Holometaboly (complete metamorphosis)

Drywood termites are in what family?

A) Hodotermitidae
B) Rhinotermitidae
C) Termitidae
D) Kalotermitidae

A moisture meter can be helpful when you are inspecting for what pest?

A) Old house borers
B) Drywood termites
C) Subterranean termites
D) German cockroaches

Ariel nests should be treated during the day time while workers are still foraging. T OR F
True False

The terms poison and venom can be used interchangeably. T OR F
True False

hat is the difference between first and second generation rodenticides?

A) Multiple vs. single feedings required to kill
B) Different formulations
C) There is no difference
D) First generation rodenticides are no longer registered with EPA

Pigeons, or rock doves, are in what family?

Chordata
Columbiformes
Columbidae
Aves

Which of the following is required on every EPA-approved insecticide label?

A) EPA registration number
B) Emergency contact phone number
C) A signal word and the following, "Keep Out of the Reach of Children"
D) All of the above

Pharaoh ants, Monomorium pharaonis, have 1 node. T OR F
True False

What best describes an insecticidal bait?

A) Active ingredient + finely ground carrier
B) Active ingredient + solvent + food/attractant carrier
C) Active ingredient + food/attractant carrier
D) Active ingredient + microcelluose-containing matrix

Which strategy is least likely to reduce carpenter bee damage?

A) Replacing exposed wood with plastic composite
B) Treating exposed wood with a residual insecticide prior to carpenter bee activity in the spring
C) Painting or varnishing exposed wood
D) Treating exposed wood with a residual insecticide prior to carpenter bee activity in the fall

Reticulitermes spp. termites are able to sustain aerial nests even if their contact to the soil has been severed. T OR F
True False

Action thresholds are universal for each pest. T OR F
True False

What word meets this definition: "A mixture in which one liquid is suspended as small droplets in another liquid" (Mallis Handbook, page 1285)

A) Emulsion
B) Adjuvant
C) Surfactant
D) Solvent

Which of these is a type of biological control?

A) Sealing all cracks and crevices on the exterior of a building
B) Insect light traps
C) Using a gel bait against German cockroaches
D) The use of Ensign wasps to attack cockroach oothecae

Dinotefuran is considered a neonicotinoid. T OR F
True False

Which of these facts about the house dust mite is not true?

A) Allergies to house dust mites are caused by ingestion of mites
B) Require humidity levels at levels >60%
C) Feed on human and animal dander
D) Most commonly found in mattresses and overstuffed furniture

Bed bugs, Cimex lectularius, must take a blood meal for each developmental stage (instar). T OR F
True False

What is the pair of appendages found on the tip of an insect's abdomen called?

Tarsi
Palps
Sclerites
Cerci

The brown marmorated stink bug is considered what type of pest?

A) Stored product pest
B) Blood-feeding pest
C) Overwintering pest/occasional invader
D) Stinging pest

Which signal word on insecticide labels reflects the least risk of adverse health effects to humans?

Caution
Warning
Danger

Brown recluse spiders are distributed across the United States. T OR F
True False

Which sense is least developed in adult pest rodents (Norway rat, roof/black rat, house mouse)?

A) Touch
B) Sight
C) Smell
D) Taste

Gloves with what should be avoided when mixing pesticides?

A) Neoprene
B) Nitrile
C) Latex
D) None of the above

Insecticides with higher vapor pressures evaporate faster than lower vapor pressure insecticides. T OR F
True False

What is true about the odorous house ant, Tapinoma sessile?

A) There is one flattened node and it is hidden from above
B) There are two sharply pointed nodes
C) The antennae are 12 segmented with a 3 segmented club
D) The antennae are 10 segmented with a 3 segmented club

Springtails belong to what order?

Zygentoma
Coleoptera
Collembola
Strepsiptera

Bumble bees are typically ground-nesters. T OR F
True False

What is an "action threshold" in an IPM program?

A) The point when enough pests have been spotted to warrant pest control efforts
B) When the economic damage inflicted by the pest is equal to the cost of control
C) The point when pest activity has ceased
D) Another term for inspection

Cockroaches have _ mouthparts.

Silverfish have three long appendages called what?

Caudal filaments
Urogomphi
Spiracles
Furcula

Pheromone lures typically work by attracting:

A) Females with sex pheromones
B) All life stages with aggregation pheromones
C) Males with sex pheromones
D) Males with aggregation pheromones

Where are you most likely to find a Surinam cockroach?

Greenhouse
Around museum specimen collections
Airport
Commercial kitchen

Ants are holometabolous (undergo a complete metamorphosis). T OR F
True False

American cockroaches glue their oothecae to the undersides of surfaces, like tables or shelves. T OR F
True False

Insects in the order Diptera, the flies, gnats, and mosquitoes, have what unique feature?

A) Piercing-sucking mouthparts
B) Halteres
C) Hemelytra
D) Elytra

If you are going to use ILTs to attract flies indoors, how far off the ground should the traps be placed?

1-2'
2-3'
3-5'
5-7'

Hornets and yellow jackets are in what family?

A) Vespula
B) Hymenoptera
C) Vespa
D) Vespidae

The most prominent difference between house flies and stable flies is what?

A) Habitat
B) Size
C) Mouthparts
D) Eye configuration

Acute pesticide toxicity is the effect of a single exposure to large amounts of pesticide that causes negative physical reactions within minutes to hours. T OR F
True False

Proper documentation includes:

Distribution of the infestation (including maps)
Location of conducive conditions
Location and specifics of chemical and non-chemical control strategies
All the above

Which governmental agency is responsible for reviewing and approving uses for insecticides?

A) EPA
B) FDA
C) Department of Agriculture
D) Health and Human Services