GreenPro Study Guide 2019 PDF

GREENPRO
STUDY GUIDE
VERSION 2.0
GreenPro Study Guide | 1
This is the study guide for the GreenPro technician and
salesperson exam. GreenPro is a service certification
available exclusively to QualityPro accredited companies.
One of the requirements of the GreenPro service
certification is that every employee that performs or sells
the company’s GreenPro certified service has to pass
the GreenPro exam. After passing the GreenPro exam at
www.npmatraining.org, you will receive a certificate of
completion.
There are six chapters in this guide. The first four focus on
aspects of integrated pest management. The fifth chapter
are test questions for you to practice study. The sixth
chapter are the answers to the practice questions. The
GreenPro exam is 50 questions long and time-limited to one
hour. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact
us at qualitypro@pestworld.org.
CONTENTS
CUSTOMER EDUCATION AND COMMUNICATION....................................................4
1.1 What is Green Service?.........................................................................................................................................................4
1.2 Educating Your Customers About Green Service....................................................................................................4
1.3 Communications and Recordkeeping in Green Service......................................................................................5
PEST PREVENTION...........................................................................................................6
2.1 Monitoring and Inspections................................................................................................................................................6
2.2 Monitoring Tools........................................................................................................................................................................7
2.3 Pest-Proofing..............................................................................................................................................................................9
2.4 General Housekeeping and Sanitation..........................................................................................................................10
2.5 Trash Management..................................................................................................................................................................11
2.6 Landscape Management......................................................................................................................................................12
2.7 Light Management...................................................................................................................................................................12
2.8 Moisture Control.......................................................................................................................................................................13
PHYSICAL PEST MANAGEMENT...................................................................................15

3.1 Trapping.........................................................................................................................................................................................15
3.2 Vacuums........................................................................................................................................................................................18
3.3 Thermal Control.........................................................................................................................................................................18
3.4 Other Methods of Physical Pest Management..........................................................................................................19
PESTICIDES........................................................................................................................20
4.1 Introduction: The Green Approach to Pesticides.....................................................................................................20
4.2 Selecting and Using Pesticides in Green Service....................................................................................................21
4.3 Where to Find Hazard Information Regarding Pesticides...................................................................................23
4.4 Pesticide Safety in Green Service....................................................................................................................................24
STUDY QUESTIONS..........................................................................................................26
STUDY ANSWERS..............................................................................................................38
Customer Education and Communication
1.1 WHAT IS GREEN SERVICE? yy Green service means strictly complying with the
GreenPro service standards of QualityPro. The
yy The world has embraced “green” products, services, green standards have requirements in the following
and ideas. categories:
• “Going green” is the catch-all phrase used for • IPM performance.
adopting business and lifestyle changes to reduce • Treatment strategies, both nonchemical and
negative impacts on the environment. chemical.
• Like all other industries, the pest management • Pesticide application.
industry has seen the growing consumer trend • Pesticide selection
toward “Green”. • Recordkeeping
• We are adopting tools and methods in green yy Integrated pest management (IPM) is the cornerstone
pest management service that reduce potential of green service and includes:
environmental impacts while still controlling pests. • Communication and educating customers about
yy The term “environment” when used in green pest pests, pest management, responsibilities, etc.
management service means not only the outdoor • Thorough inspections and monitoring to identify
environment around buildings, but the human pest problems and conditions that might be
environment inside buildings as well. contributing to pest problems.
• The human environment includes effects on human • Preventive actions such as pest proofing and
and animal health. trash management to keep pests from becoming a
• The most important factor in reducing environment problem.
impacts indoors is reducing the occupants’ • Physical pest management tools and tactics such
potential exposure to pesticides. as trapping, vacuuming, and using heat or cold to
yy Green service is very different from how the industry control pests.
used to perform pest control programs. • Low impact use of pesticides (a “green” approach).
• Monitoring for pests and conditions contributing to • Follow-up and evaluation of pest management
pests is of critical importance. actions.
• Far more time will be spent in inspecting a facility
rather than killing pests. 1.2 EDUCATING YOUR CUSTOMERS ABOUT
• Communications are far more detailed and more GREEN SERVICE
time-consuming than in traditional pest control,
meaning detailed record-keeping, various types of yy Customer education and communications are critical
reports and logs, and education of customers. jobs for a PMP who is providing green service. There
• Pest prevention through improved sanitation and are a number of reasons for this:
pest exclusion is emphasized. • Green service may be different from the typical
• Nonchemical tools and tactics are emphasized. pest control service that most customers have been
• Pesticides are used only when necessary, in a way used to.
that minimizes risk. • Green service requires a higher level of customer
yy IMPORTANT: Green service does NOT require that you cooperation through improving sanitation, pest
never use a pesticide. proofing, making operational changes, etc.
• However, pesticides are usually not your first choice • Some customers will have an incorrect view of the
when looking for a way to control a pest. tools and tactics used in green pest management.
• If you decide that you need to apply a pesticide, you yy Some customers may think that green service requires
choose a product and application method that one or more of the following:
»» Will control the pest effectively. • Using only non-chemical pest management.
»» Minimizes risk to people, pets, and the • Applying pesticides only as a last resort.
environment. • Using only “least toxic” pesticides.
• Using only FIFRA 25(b) exempt products.
• Recycling paper and driving hybrids.
4 | GreenPro Study Guide

Customer Education and Communication
yy When providing green service, you have a responsibility yy GreenPro standards require that the company maintains
to educate your customers about the following issues written records of all account activity including:
related to green service: • Name of technician.
• An explanation of the specific green services that • Records of customer communications.
you are providing at the account. • Corrective actions.
• The benefits and limitations of green service. • Pest activity.
• The customer’s responsibilities in ensuring that • Service provided (both nonchemical and pesticide
green service works. service).
yy Customer responsibilities in green service include the • Date of service.
following: yy All service records for service including applications
• Maintaining good sanitation and providing and/or monitoring shall include the following
adequate housekeeping in order to limit food, water, information:
and harborage sites for pests. This also includes: • EPA and other registration numbers.
»» Following proper trash management practices, • Product brand name.
both indoors and outdoors. • Lot number of product.
»» Minimizing clutter that provides pest harborage. • Target pest.
»» Correcting moisture problems to limit • Rate of application or % concentration.
conditions that attract moisture-loving pests. • Date and time of application.
• Correcting structural problems that allow pest entry • Location or site of application.
into the building or movement within the building • Amount of finished product used.
(pest-proofing). • Signatures of technician AND customer
• Correcting landscaping issues that may be representative.
attracting pests or providing access into the • Certification or registration number of technician.
building. • Emergency phone number.
• Correcting lighting issues that may be attracting • Notes and observations and any other records
pests to the building. required by the state pest management
• Reviewing all reports and other communications enforcement agency.
from the PMP. yy A critically important function of green recordkeeping
is to gather information to be used on a regular basis to
1.3 COMMUNICATIONS AND evaluate the success or failure of the green service.
RECORDKEEPING IN GREEN SERVICE yy Before each service, you should review the records to
see if there are any pest trends you should address, if
yy Green service communications include both verbal and there have been recommendations that have not been
written reports about conditions at the site. followed, if the actions that you have taken have proved
yy During service you should speak with people on site effective, etc.
about critical issues such as: yy There should also be a periodic record review process
• Pests found. that goes beyond the technician level.
• Conducive conditions that may be contributing to • The evaluation may occur quarterly, twice a year,
pest problems. or only once per year, but must be on a regular
• Advice on the actions that need to be taken to schedule.
correct these conditions. • A summary report is prepared, usually by a
yy Written communications tend to be more detained and supervisor.
may include the following: • Part of the process may be a meeting with the
• Consumer information sheets about green service. customer, supervisor, and the technician.
• Pest information sheets. • Prior to this meeting, comments should be solicited
• Product labels and consumer information sheets. from interested parties as to the effectiveness of the
• Pest sighting logs. program and any problems noted.
• Pest activity records. yy The evaluation should include input from concerned
• Service records/treatment records. parties, review of inspection reports, sanitation reports,
• Sanitation reports/structural deficiency reports/ the logbook, and other records in order to:
action reports. • See how the program is working.
• Identify any changes that are necessary.

Pest Prevention
2.1 MONITORING AND INSPECTIONS yy Technicians should check with the customer when
possible regarding any pest sightings or “complaints”
yy Monitoring consists of regular and thorough since the last visit.
inspections, accurate identification of pests, and yy In commercial accounts also check any IPM logbook
assessment of conditions at the site. Monitoring or the pest sighting log at the start of every inspection
includes gathering information about the following: to identify locations where pests have been seen or
• Identity and location of pests. suspected.
• Areas of critical risk (food handling, food storage, yy Do not look just for the pests themselves, use a bright
trash areas, etc.). flashlight and look for other evidence of pests such as:
• Size of pest populations. • Droppings and frass from insects, rodents, and
• Conducive conditions that are contributing to pest other pests.
problems such as: • Gnawing, tracks, and grease marks (from rodents).
»» Poor sanitation. • Damage (such as exit holes in packaging).
»» Improper food storage. • Shed insect skins or webbing.
»» Poor trash handling. yy Within a room not all sites are equally likely to be
»» Pest entryways (holes in walls, etc.). infested by pests. Higher risk areas include the
»» Other factors that favor pest survival or entry following:
into the building. • Cracks and crevices.
• Management practices that could affect pest • Corners, ledges, and hollows.
populations or pest management activities (trash • Equipment voids and structural voids.
pickup, inspection aisles in food accounts, lighting, • Dark zones, shadow areas.
construction, etc.). yy Pests tend to follow straight lines. Look for pests,
• Environmental conditions (temperature, moisture droppings, and other signs along the following:
problems, weather or seasonal changes). • Utility lines (electric, plumbing, computer cables,
• Any actions taken by the customer to correct etc.).
conducive conditions. • Heating ducts/pipes.
• Assessment of customer’s satisfaction or • Expansion joints/stress cracks.
dissatisfaction with previous service. • Wall/floor intersection.
yy Proper identification of pests is essential. • Pallet/shelf edges.
• Different pests have different habits and food • Equipment edges.
requirements. • Rows of stored materials.
• What works to manage one pest may not work yy Examine areas prone to infestations by the pests more
against another similar pest. For example: commonly found in typical buildings:
»» One pest may be attracted to a trap while • Examine window sills regularly as many pests fly or
another similar pest is not. crawl towards light. Also check inside ceiling light
»» “Gnats” may be fruit flies, drain flies, or phorid fixtures.
flies, each requiring different action. • Many pests can be found behind baseboards,
• If there is any doubt as to the proper identification under furniture, behind moldings, in cracks in floors,
of a pest, specimens should be brought back to the behind radiators, or in air ducts.
office for further identification or sent to an NPMA • Check around door jambs for cockroaches and
entomologist. spider webs. Spiders often spin their webs across
yy There are three ways to collect information during your gaps around doors to capture insects trying to
inspection: enter.
• Speaking with the customer, or, in commercial yy Check for new rodent droppings in likely areas:
accounts, reading their comments in the logbook. • At the floor/wall junction throughout all food
• Walk-through visual inspections of all areas of the preparation, eating, and storage areas.
account, including the grounds. • On counters, stoves, food shelves and food prep
• Use of various types of monitoring traps. surfaces.
• In pantries and cabinets in food areas.
• In the base of stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers.
• Inside drop ceilings.
Pest Prevention
yy Look for “conducive” conditions that might lead to pest yy Monitoring tools are left on site between inspections
problems. and work 24 hours per day, seven days a week, and
• Check for moisture problems, both indoors and out, have other advantages as well:
which may lead to moisture-related pests such as • They pinpoint precise areas of pest activity, even if
carpenter ants, termites, or mold. pests are only active late at night.
• Look out for damaged screens, doors, and walls, • They may capture pests, making accurate
which could allow pest entry. identification easier.
• Note any sanitation problems. • They help assess the size of the infestation, its level
• Be aware that fresh flowers and potted plants may of development, and whether it is increasing or
be infested with insect pests. decreasing through time.
yy Inspect outdoors. • They gauge the program’s success by comparing
• Heavy landscaping near the foundation and plants trap results before and after pest management
such as ivy growing on walls increases the risk of action.
outdoor pests moving inside. • They can be used to collect numerical data as part
• Moisture problems around the foundation, gutters, of recordkeeping requirements.
or air conditioning units can favor moisture-related yy Sticky traps are good positive indicators of an
pests. infestation, but are not a guarantee that the area is pest-
• Bright exterior lights may be attracting insects to free.
the outside of the building, and these insects may • If sticky traps are empty, the area may be pest-free.
be finding their way indoors. »» On the other hand, the traps could be in the
• Poor management of trash may be attracting wrong place, or the infestation could be in an
rodents, which could find their way inside through unusual place.
utility lines or other openings. »» For example, there could be an isolated heavy
infestation 15 feet away, but if there is no sticky
2.2 MONITORING TOOLS trap there, you may miss it.
• Capturing cockroaches or other pests in a sticky
yy For general household pests, the most common trap confirms pests and identifies the species.
pest monitoring tools used for green service are the • By placing traps in various locations, a technician
following: can locate focus areas (sites of high pest
• Sticky traps, which use an adhesive to capture populations) or pest entry points.
insects and other crawling pests. yy Sticky traps are generally poor tools for controlling
»» Sticky traps can be flat, triangular, box-like, or pests.
hanging tapes (for flying insects). yy Cockroaches are the pest most often monitored with
»» Sticky traps are a simple and inexpensive way to sticky traps, and the age distribution of pests on the trap
monitor cockroaches, ants, flies, and other pests. can help determine a wide range of information about
»» Some sticky traps are available with lures to the pest population:
attract pests, most particularly cockroaches and • If all stages of the cockroach are captured, it’s likely
flies. a large, long-standing population.
• Tracking patches to detect the footprints of rodents. • If only adults or large nymphs are captured, it may
• Insect Light Traps (ILTs) which, besides being a be a new infestation that has moved in from a
control tool, can be used to monitor flying insects. cockroach focus nearby.
yy Other monitoring tools are used in special situations or • If mostly small nymphs have been captured, there
in food-related accounts include: will be a pocket of infestation within a few feet.
• Pheromone traps, which use chemical attractants to • A bunch of cockroaches on one side of the trap tells
draw certain species of pests into the trap. you they are likely coming from that direction.
• Food attractant traps (pitfall, fruit fly, etc.). • Are the trap catches decreasing? This suggests
• Grain probe traps. control actions are successful.
• Nontoxic rodent bait. • Are the trap captures increasing or remaining the
• Bed bug monitoring devices. same? You and your customer need to do more to
• Electronic monitoring devices for rodents. control cockroaches.

Pest Prevention
yy Avoid placing sticky traps in the open. Cockroaches and yy Pheromone traps are specialty monitoring tools that you
other crawling pests do not travel in the open if they do are most likely to use in the following circumstances:
not have to. • To locate infestations of fabric pests such as clothes
yy Think about where you normally find your key pests, moths and carpet beetles.
and place the sticky traps nearby. • To detect stored product infesting beetles (cigarette
• Put traps inside cabinets, on food storage shelves, beetle, sawtoothed grain beetle, and others) and
under sinks and stoves, under equipment, in moths (Indian mealmoth, Mediterranean flour moth,
drawers, and next to trash cans. and others) in commercial and institutional food
• Whenever possible, place traps horizontally against operations (restaurants, cafeterias, plants).
the edges of a wall or other vertical surface, near • To monitor for German cockroaches.
corners and sites where there has been cockroach • To trap house flies.
spotting. yy Always follow the manufacturer’s directions when using
• Emphasize sites where there is food available, or pheromone traps.
with potential pest entry points. • Check traps on a regular basis.
• In food storage areas, place sticky traps on or under »» Never let a pheromone trap go unchecked for
shelves and approximately ten feet apart. longer than a month.
»» Place traps on different levels. »» Replace traps when they are dusty, dirty, or
»» Install traps on the floor in the corners of the loaded with insects.
room. • Remove and discard used traps.
»» Try to create a matrix in the storage area that • Replace pheromone lures according to the
will pinpoint a new infestation and help identify manufacturer’s directions.
the infested goods. • Place traps away from air currents and moisture.
yy Traps should be checked at every regular service visit. yy Consider the insects’ habits when placing pheromone
• Number and date the traps. traps.
• Replace traps as needed, don’t just leave them in • Traps will catch more moths near the ceiling
place permanently. • and more beetles near the ground.
• Replace traps that have already captured a pest, • Use hanging traps only for flying insects.
record the capture information, and consider • Cockroach pheromone traps should be placed as
placing additional traps to identify the focus of the you would sticky traps.
infestation. • Don’t place traps near doors, windows, vents, or
• Replace any trap whose glue has become dusty or loading docks where they could attract insects from
dirty. outside.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommended yy Number each trap and mark on a map of the room
replacement schedule. where you have placed the traps.
»» Three months is probably a maximum effective • Keep a monitoring record of each trap’s location,
life for a sticky trap. the date it was placed, and its catch at each
»» Even though it can appear sound, the glue may inspection.
have lost its holding power. • Some technicians record this information right on
yy Pheromone traps attract certain pests by incorporating the trap itself.
pheromones, the natural chemical “scents” that insects yy Any kind of trap (see later section on trapping), even
use to communicate with each other. those designed primarily for controlling pests, can also
• Some are sex attractant pheromones that draw only be used as a monitoring tool.
the male insect. • Insect light traps (ILTs) are effective monitoring
• Other pheromone traps use aggregation tools for flying insects.
pheromones that attract both males and females of »» Check collecting trays and glue boards at each
the same species. service visit.
• A pheromone will only attract one species of pest or »» Note: As you empty the tray or remove the glue
only a few closely-related species. board, also brush out the dead insects from
behind the tray/board and from cracks and
crevices.
• Fruit fly traps will detect a newly emerging fruit fly
problem.
• Ant traps and monitors will detect foraging ants.
• Yellowjacket traps will trap yellowjackets, hornets,
and other flying insects.
• Rodent glue traps not only capture rodents but
anything else that contacts the glue.
Pest Prevention
yy Keep good records and analyze your findings to identify • Caulking and minor screening may be done by the
new pest problems early. For example: technician as part of regular service, or as an add-
• If large numbers of house flies suddenly are found on service.
in an ILT, you can be fairly sure that there is a yy There are three goals to pest-proofing in green service:
nearby breeding source either inside, or if outside, • Exclusion, or keeping pests from entering a
then a window or door is being left open. building.
• If the trap contains dermestid beetles in the winter, • Isolation, or keeping pests from moving from room
there is probably an infested site inside the building. to room within a building.
• If an outdoor trap suddenly begins capturing • Harborage elimination, or eliminating pest hiding
yellowjackets, there is likely a developing nest places and breeding areas.
nearby that should be investigated. yy Pest-proofing can be as simple or complex, depending
• If a trap contains winged ants, there is a nearby on the circumstances.
nest. • Repairing screens.
• If an indoor trap suddenly captures mosquitoes, • Caulking cracks and sealing small holes.
someone is probably leaving a door open at • Physical alterations and major building repairs.
twilight. yy Old buildings have many opportunities for pestproofing,
yy There are other monitoring tools besides traps. and its use in such buildings can often have remarkable
• Rodent monitoring blocks look like rodenticide bait success.
blocks but are nontoxic. yy Major pest-proofing projects that require physical
»» They confirm rodent activity before toxic bait alterations can be expensive and time-consuming;
application (“bait and switch”). however:
»» They can be used inside stations just like a • They usually are permanent solutions.
rodenticide, or out in the open and in other • They often provide other benefits:
locations where rodenticides can’t be used. »» Improving heat or cool air retention.
»» They identify the species feeding (through »» Preventing water damage.
gnaw marks and droppings) before you place a »» Complementing building maintenance
toxic bait, thereby protecting nontarget wildlife programs.
in a baiting area. yy Caulking, screening, repairing or stuffing holes, and
»» They can overcome a rat’s hesitancy to enter a other methods of manual exclusion on the perimeter
bait station, and accustom rodents to feeding can keep pests out of a building.
at preselected locations, improving kill when • Pest exclusion is most effective against rodents,
rodenticide or traps are then used. bats, flying insects, and the larger crawling
• A tracking patch is a light coating of nontoxic dust arthropods such as large cockroaches, millipedes,
(such as talc) that is spread near suspected rodent and crickets.
activity areas and shows the tracks of any rodents • Seal cracks and crevices in exterior walls.
(or other animals) that walk through it. • Caulk, stuff, or seal openings around pipes and
»» Tracks in a tracking patch can identify the conduits where they enter the building.
species and the direction of movement. »» Use appropriate sealants. Foam sealants, for
»» A flashlight shined across the patch at a low example, are usually not appropriate for rodents
angle gives the best view of the tracks. because they can easily chew through them.
»» A tracking patch should not be used where »» Don’t limit this pest-proofing to ground level;
there is a risk of contamination of food, even pests can enter around utility lines entering on
though the patch material is nontoxic. upper floors or at roof level.
• In general, openings larger than 1/4 inch will allow
2.3 PEST-PROOFING mice to squeeze through.
• Even for the smallest pests, caulking and sealing
yy An important part of green service is recommending the obvious openings provides a measure of control.
the pest-proofing actions that you feel are necessary to »» Some pests may find their way in, but many will
reduce pest problems. not.
• Pest-proofing is usually done by the customer, »» This process can be time-consuming and
custodial or maintenance staff. expensive in older buildings.
• In some instances it is done by the technician, • 16 mesh screens will keep out most insects.
depending on the circumstances and service
agreement.
• Extensive pest-proofing is usually done by the
customer, although it may be contracted to the pest
control company.
Pest Prevention
yy Make other exterior pest-proofing recommendations as yy Make other recommendations to isolate pests as
needed: needed:
• Repair screens on windows and doors and make • Repair or screen floor drains.
sure they fit tightly. • Screen interior vent openings.
• Screen outside vent openings and air handlers to • Caulk crevices around doors, windows, vents,
prevent outside insects from entering. plumbing fixtures, equipment, cabinets, and counter
• Install porcupine wire, pin and wire, or similar tops.
commercial products to keep birds from roosting on • Repair grout around wall and floor tiles.
window ledges and other building surfaces. • Reattach loose tiles.
• A building may need bird netting installed to keep • Repair cracks and pits in flooring, and damaged or
pest birds from roosting or nesting on the building. deteriorated expansion joint liners.
yy All exterior doors need to be kept closed and should not
be kept open for ventilation unless protected by screens 2.4 GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING
or air doors. AND SANITATION
• Stand on the dark side of a door and look to the
other side in the light; everywhere you see light yy Green service requires that the technician identify,
shining through is a potential pest entry. report, and make recommendations to the customer
• Metal doors are best. to correct sanitation problems that may contribute to
• If exterior doors are made of wood, they should pests.
have metal flashing at the bottom of the door and • Identify sanitation problems during your inspection.
on sills and jambs to prevent rodents from gnawing • Document sanitation problems through good
their way inside. records.
• Doors that must be kept open, such as loading dock • Communicate with the customer on sanitation
protected by air curtains (air doors). issues.
yy Doors to the outside need door sweeps, brush seals, »» Provide information on how the specific
thresholds, and weatherseals to keep pests out. sanitation problem may lead to pests.
• The benefits of door sealers are not only related to »» Provide recommendations on how to correct
pest exclusion. those sanitation problems.
»» Door sweeps, thresholds, and weatherseals • At later service visits, see whether or not the
reduce heating and air conditioning costs, and customer has corrected the sanitation problems
result in less sound and light infiltration. adequately.
»» Often, utility savings in one year will cover the yy In most cases it is the customer who corrects sanitation
cost of the installations. problems, but not always; Some green service
• Compression seals can eliminate the space under companies:
roll-down bay doors in garages and in loading areas • Provide steam cleaning/degreasing services of
of commercial accounts. kitchens, equipment, drains, dumpsters, etc.
yy Do not ignore the roof. Rodents, insects, and birds can • Use vacuums as part of green service.
find their way inside at roof level. Look for the following: • May clean up pest droppings, body parts, and other
• Damaged or poorly fitted soffits and fascia boards. debris in critical areas.
• Unscreened vents and air intakes. yy Be sure to repeatedly emphasize to your customer the
• Damaged flashing. importance of sanitation in pest management.
• Missing bricks, damaged mortar, siding, shingles, • Removing readily available food and water for pests
etc. is an important way to prevent and reduce pests.
• Holes around utility wires, pipes, conduit. • Cleaning up clutter is important, too, because
yy Pest-proofing within a building results in “pest isolation” clutter and debris provide harborage (living and
by creating separate compartments, like waterproof hiding places) for pests.
doors do in a ship. • Sanitation is not just an issue inside but outdoors as
• Pest isolation prevents pests from spreading well, particularly at the building perimeter.
throughout a facility, and makes them easier to
control.
• Installing caulk, mesh, and other sealants around
pipes, utility lines, and other entries into the voids
between rooms can isolate infestations in one area.
• High pest risk areas should be physically isolated
from the rest of the building by installing caulk,
mesh, and other sealants.

Pest Prevention
yy Good sanitation is especially important in areas where 2.5 TRASH MANAGEMENT

food is prepared, eaten, or stored.
• Food preparation surfaces should be cleaned yy Poor trash management is a major cause of pest
promptly after use, and should never be allowed to infestations.
remain dirty overnight. • Garbage cans and recycling containers should have
• Grease should be cleaned regularly from ovens, lids that close and should be emptied regularly.
exhaust filters, and grease traps. • Garbage cans should include plastic bag liners.
• Kitchens should be “deep-cleaned” periodically to • Bags should be taken out regularly to be stored in
remove built up grease and food residues. closed containers outside until trash pickup.
yy There are special sanitation issues in commercial food • Garbage cans and recycling containers should be
accounts: cleaned regularly to remove food debris and sugary
• Floor drains should be treated regularly with residues.
enzyme-based or other biological cleaners. • The inside of the trash can underneath the plastic
• Mop buckets should be emptied after use and wet liner should not be allowed to accumulate spilled
mops and rags cleaned and hung to dry (to prevent trash and should be inspected and cleaned
fruit flies). regularly.
• Floors must be cleaned daily, preferably in the yy In commercial accounts, dumpsters are a prime
evening. attractant for rodents, flies, birds, cockroaches, and
• Catch trays in insect light traps should be emptied other pests.
regularly to prevent dermestids and similar pests. • Poor dumpster management is a main cause of rat
• There needs to be sanitation and inspection aisles problems around a building.
in food processing and storage areas. • Flies inside a building are often traced to flies
»» An unobstructed lane 18-24 inches wide, attracted to and breeding around dumpsters
painted white (sometimes yellow), completely outside.
around the inside of the exterior walls in yy Dumpsters and compactors placed near doors, loading
processing and storage areas. docks, and windows attract pests and bring them near
»» A space 18-24 inches wide between rows of natural points of entry into the facility.
stacked product. • Dumpsters should be located 50 feet or more from
• Stored packaged foods should be stacked on outside doors; 75 feet if at a food facility.
industrial grade, steel wire shelves that allow spilled • Dumpsters should be situated on a thick concrete
foods to fall to the floor and make clean-up easier. pad that has foundation toes on the outside to keep
• Food stored on pallets should be at least 18 inches rodents from burrowing under the pad.
away from the wall to allow inspection and cleaning. • If not installed on a pad, small dumpsters can be on
• The policy of FIFO or “first in, first out” ensures that wheels to keep them up off the ground.
foods do not remain in storage for too long. Older • Ideally, the dumpster area should slope to a sanitary
food products are more likely to become infested. sewer drain to handle runoff from cleaning.
yy Storage areas need to be free from clutter. yy Dumpster lids should be kept closed.
• Clutter can lead to large mouse populations. • If there’s so much trash that the lid can’t close, then
• Cardboard boxes are a particular problem because a bigger container is required or the trash service
they provide harborage sites for cockroaches and needs to schedule more frequent pickups.
other pests. • Users need to close the doors after they’ve
• Customers should be advised not to store old deposited trash.
cardboard boxes or paper bags but to recycle or yy Dumpsters should be washed out regularly using high
dispose of them quickly. pressure and a degreasing solution.
yy Pests can occur anywhere in an account so good • Drain holes should never be left open (except
housekeeping is important in other areas besides during cleaning).
kitchens and food storage areas. • Plugs should be in place or the opening should be
yy Be sure to address sanitation issues outdoors, as well. screened.
• Compost piles, leaf piles, debris piles, stacked yy Dumpsters should not be damaged, leaking, or rusted
wood, pipes, or building materials should be located through, and the lids should close properly. Otherwise,
away from the foundation and away from mulched they should be replaced.
areas.
• Trash and food debris on the grounds, especially
trash that accumulates around the foundation and
under shrubbery, must be picked up.
• Spilled food debris must be cleaned up regularly.

Pest Prevention
yy Dumpsters should be checked by staff twice daily, • Large rocks, railroad ties, and similar landscape
and any trash picked up that didn’t end up inside the structures are attractive as rodent burrow sites and
dumpster. should be avoided.
• Staff should also police the area immediately after • Blooming plants should not be located near the
the dumpster has been emptied or removed. building to minimize bee and wasp activity.
• Spilled trash should never be allowed to remain • Lawns need to be cut regularly.
overnight. yy Weeds are attractive nest areas for rodents.
• Cardboard boxes should be broken down or • Make sure that there are no weedy areas that are
crushed and placed inside the dumpster or special being ignored by your customer.
cardboard recycling containers, not left on the • Weeds along fence lines or around abandoned
ground. equipment or debris are particularly attractive to
yy Limit the use of shrubbery around dumpster enclosures rodents.
(see next section, Landscape Management). • String trimmers should be used to mechanically
manage weeds on a regular basis.
2.6 LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT yy Organic mulch near a building can be the source of
many different pest problems:
yy Limit the use of shrubbery around dumpster enclosures. • Because organic mulches are made of plant
• Thick foundation plants might help conceal the material that gradually decomposes, they attract
dumpster from view, but they also conceal rodent millipedes, sowbugs or pillbugs, cockroaches, slugs,
burrows and accumulated garbage, and make earwigs, and crickets and other pests that feed on
inspection difficult. decaying material.
• Especially avoid thorny shrubs like barberry or • Mulch also draws pests that are attracted to the
pyracantha. moisture and heat, pests that simply like the
• Make sure weeds or grass around a dumpster are protected harborage that mulch provides, and pests
trimmed close. that are there to feed on other pests.
yy Trees should not be close enough to touch a building • Pests use a well-mulched foundation as a stepping
since ants, squirrels, and rats (roof rats especially), often stone to enter the structure.
follow branches to enter a building. »» During temperature extremes or if the mulch
• Trim tree branches that touch the building. becomes too dry or too wet, these perimeter
• Ivy, espaliered bushes, or other plants against walls invaders may try to move inside.
should be avoided because ants, rodents, and other yy A heavy layer of wood mulch that is right up against
pests use them to find entry into buildings. the building can also enable subterranean termites to
yy Fruit and nut trees and berry bushes provide bypass a termiticide soil barrier.
rodent food and attract other pests and, in some • Termites can travel through the protective mulch
circumstances, may need to be moved or removed above ground and enter the building through
when located near a building. foundation cracks, conduits, or weep holes in brick.
yy Thick low-growing ground covers such as juniper hide • Most buildings should have a bare strip 6-12 inches
burrows and provide ideal rodent hiding places and wide at the foundation.
runways. • Food facilities should have a 2-3 foot wide
• When the plants fill in, the ground becomes inspection strip around the perimeter of the
impossible to inspect. structure.
• These types of plants also capture food debris »» Advise your customer to place landscape cloth
and other trash, which is difficult or impossible to over this strip to keep weeds and grass from
remove. coming up, then leave the strip bare or cover
• Recommend that your customer thin or remove with dirt, crushed stone, gravel, or sand.
dense shrubbery and ground covers around the »» As an alternative, regular herbicide applications
building’s foundation or wherever you find evidence can be used to keep the inspection strip clear of
of rodents under them. weeds.
yy Customers should try and avoid mound-shaped,
ground-hugging shrubs and instead use plants that
have a wineglass shape or that are otherwise open at
the base.
• Thorny shrubs should also be avoided as they are
difficult to inspect and prone to capturing wind-
blown trash.

Pest Prevention
2.7 LIGHT MANAGEMENT yy There are many lighting alternatives that are less
attractive to pests.
yy Bright outdoor lights attract insects of many types, both • Replace high wattage bulbs with lower wattage
flying and crawling. (less bright) bulbs.
• Even a small light can be seen for miles. • Lights with a yellowish, pinkish, or orange tint are
• Bright security lights often become beacons that less likely to attract insects.
attract insects in large numbers. • Use sodium vapor lamps, LED bulbs, or others with
yy Insects can accumulate in large numbers under lights, low UV output instead of mercury vapor lamps and
and at doorways and windows. fluorescent lamps in high-risk areas.
• Insects attracted to lights at the building perimeter • Replace bulbs that put out a high amount of
often find their way inside. heat (such as halogen lamps and incandescent
• Insects at lights may also attract spiders, scorpions floodlights) where they are causing pest problems.
and bats that feed on them. • Direct or shield outside lights so that the light
yy If a building’s lights are causing pest problems, discuss shines only where it’s needed.
with your customer how to change the lighting to »» Indirect lighting is less attractive to insects than
prevent pest problems, while still retaining security and direct lighting.
visibility. »» When possible, install lights 15 to 20 feet away
yy Insects and lighting is a complex issue. Here are the from the entryway, but facing toward it, rather
facts: than placing lights directly above doorways.
• Many insects are attracted to high UV (ultraviolet) yy There are other ways to minimize pest problems
light, such as in fluorescent bulbs. associated with lights.
• An insect may be attracted to a particular • Avoid bright flood lights shining on a white wall,
wavelength of light, but may only be attracted at a particularly if near water, since the lights can attract
certain time of the night or at a certain time of the swarms of midges and mayflies.
year or at a certain temperature. • To minimize midges and other insects that fly only
• Male insects may be attracted but not females. at dusk, set lights so that they do not turn on until at
• rightness is also important. All else being equal, a least one hour after sunset, preferably two.
200 watt bulb will attract more insects from a longer • Use curtains on windows or make sure lights
distance than a 100 watt bulb. are turned off in unoccupied rooms. Bright lights
• Certain insects are attracted to heat and so also shining through windows can bring insects directly
to lights that put out heat, such as standard inside.
incandescent bulbs, halogen bulbs, floodlights, and • Create a perimeter of bright decoy lights every 100
others using a glowing filament. feet at a distance of 250 feet or so from the building.
• Another factor is competition from other lights. If yy Discuss security and aesthetic concerns with your
the only bright light in the area is the one shining on customer before recommending changes in lights
the loading dock, every light-attracted insect in the because lighting strategies that reduce insect problems
area will zero in on that entrance. almost always come with trade-offs:
yy Your lighting recommendations will depend, to some • Lights that are less attractive to insects may also be
extent, on the specific types of insects causing trouble. dimmer and less attractive to people.
• Midges, for example, mostly fly to lights in early • Low-pressure sodium lamps wash out most colors,
evening. for example, making them appear yellow or gray,
• Midge problems can be reduced simply by waiting and should be used only where color rendition is
until one to two hours after sunset before turning on not important.
lights during a midge outbreak. • High-pressure sodium lights are better at color
rendition, but cause reds to appear brown.
• Color-balanced, high-pressure sodium lights are
better for people but may be more attractive to
insects.

Pest Prevention
2.8 MOISTURE CONTROL yy A moisture meter can be a useful tool to identify areas
of high moisture that are not obvious during a visual
yy For green service, you need to explain to your customer inspection.
the connection between moisture and pests. • You can measure moisture in wood, drywall, roofing,
yy Most pests need free water to survive and such water plaster and brick.
acts as a pest attractant. • By finding wet wood and other moisture hot spots,
• Moist basements and ground floor levels attract you pinpoint locations that may be attracting pests
moisture-loving pests such as springtails, — and sometimes even locate the pests themselves.
millipedes, sowbugs, and earwigs. yy Part of green service is educating your customer how to
• Moisture in foods, books, and other materials minimize moisture around the building.
attracts moisture loving pests such as pscocids and yy Make sure that drainpipes, downspouts, or spigots are
fungus beetles. not emptying against the building.
• Most cockroach infestations are located near free • Irrigation systems should not water excessively near
water or very moist areas. foundations nor spray directly on building walls.
• Moisture in walls may attract termites and carpenter • Splash blocks should be in place and downspouts
ants. should extend beyond the perimeter of the
yy Leaks and condensation can provide conducive foundation.
conditions for moisture-loving pests. • Roof gutters should be cleaned, and stagnant water
• Leaky plumbing anywhere. in containers and equipment should be emptied.
• Excessive condensation from refrigeration. yy Drainage of all wet areas must be adequate to prevent
• Leaks in the roof. standing water which can breed mosquitoes and attract
yy Many moisture problems are obvious because signs of other pests.
moisture are visible. yy There should not be standing water in a crawlspace
• Standing water. and soil in the crawl should be partially covered with a
• Dripping condensation. moisture barrier in areas with high soil moisture.
• Water stains. • The crawlspace should also be adequately
• Mold and mildew. ventilated or designed to prevent moisture from
• Wet crawlspace. penetrating the structure.
yy Over-watered houseplants can breed various fungus
gnats and even mosquitoes.

Physical Pest Management
3.1 TRAPPING yy Rodent snap traps are available as traditional wooden

base, spring-operated snap trap, plastic or metal snap
yy The three primary types of traps are these: traps, and clam shell snap traps that can be set with
• Rodent traps one hand.
• Insect traps • Mouse snap traps will not kill rats; larger, more
• Live traps for other vertebrates powerful traps are required for rats.
yy Traps are especially suited for green service because: • Concentrate snap traps in areas where you see or
• They are a nontoxic substitute for pesticide suspect rodent activity, rather than evenly spacing
application. them around the perimeter of a room or building.
• They hold the pest for easy disposal. »» Place more traps in areas of high activity and
• They work to both control and to detect pests. fewer traps in other areas.
• They generate data (numbers) that can be used to »» Place traps along the route between the
identify pest trends and to set triggers for taking rodent’s nest and its food source.
additional control action (action thresholds). • Place traps where there are large numbers of
yy The most common traps used to catch mice and rats droppings since that is where the rodents are
are glue traps, snap traps, and multiple-catch mouse spending most of their time.
traps (repeating mouse traps). »» Place traps along baseboards or edges of walls
• There are other kinds of traps that are less or other objects where there are obvious signs
commonly used. of rodent activity.
»» There are several types of small “live traps” that »» Other good trapping sites are behind objects,
will capture single mice alive to be disposed of and in dark corners, particularly where runways
or relocated. narrow funneling rodents into a small space.
»» There are also electronic shock traps that use • Traps can also be set overhead along pipes, beams,
batteries and an electrocuting plate to kill mice rafters, etc., especially where you see rub marks.
or rats that enter the trap. »» Fasten the traps to pipes or beams with nails,
yy There are several advantages to using traps to kill wire, heavy rubber bands, bungee cords, velcro
rodents: straps, or hose clamps.
• There is no toxicant for rodents to carry away or »» Do not place traps above food processing
translocate to potentially contaminate other sites. areas.
• Traps hold the rodent carcass so it can be disposed • Traps can be used inside cardboard stations, bait
of, thus avoiding odor, insect problems, and stations, or inside PVC pipe if the traps need to be
possible disease transmission that occur when hidden.
rodents die in hidden locations. yy Use a large number of traps; always overestimate the
• Ideal for sensitive sites where the use of pesticides infestation.
may not be acceptable, or where the amount of • A large number of snap traps set for a short period
pesticide used must be kept to a minimum. of time will be much more effective than a small
• Traps show you immediately whether the control number that are set for a long time.
has been successful. yy Because rats are neophobic (fear new objects), special
• A trapped rodent is out of circulation immediately, procedures are usually necessary when trapping them.
no longer feeding or contaminating food (a • Snap traps should be placed baited but unset for a
poisoned rodent may stay active for days). few days or a week until the rats get used to them.
• Eliminates the possibility of poisoning to people, physical pest management
pets, and wildlife. • Do not set traps directly on rat runs or in front of rat
holes, offset them six inches to prevent rats from
being spooked by a new object on their normal
travel route.

• Traps that have captured rats previously are often • Mice will usually enter the trap with or without a
more effective than new traps because they may food attractant.
give off rat odors and pheromones. yy Place multi-catch mouse traps in runways in dark
• For rats, place snap traps perpendicular to the wall corners, and along walls, stored materials, and
or object. equipment.
yy Traps for roof rats should be placed in somewhat • Place them flush against walls with the opening
different locations. parallel to the runway.
• Set traps along branches, beams, ledges, and sills. • Alternatively, they may be placed with an opening
• Traps can be attached to chain link fence poles or facing the wall but about 1.5 inches away from it.
tree branches using cup hooks and rubber bands or • When servicing multi-catch traps, first make sure
bungee cords. there are no live mice inside that could escape.
»» Outdoor traps should be set only from dusk to • Put mice and trap debris into a sealed trash bag
dawn to avoid trapping nontarget animals like and dispose of the bag.
birds and squirrels. • Note: Some food plants require you to clean and
• Indoors, set traps in dark corners inside suspended disinfect any trap that has captured a mouse.
ceilings, in attics, or in overhangs and soffits. yy Glue traps for rodents consist of a cardboard or plastic
yy Because mice are curious, you can improve your tray base covered with a sticky material.
trapping results by moving boxes, pallets, shelves, or • Some models are covered or can be folded into a
other objects in their territories to create new runways tent shape; others are perforated so they can be
that lead to your traps. torn down to fit specific areas.
• Mice will investigate the changed territory • Traps are “prescented” with a food smell.
thoroughly. yy Glue traps are less effective in extreme temperatures or
• While getting rats used to traps can take some time, if they become dusty or covered with debris.
a mouse trapping program can be very successful • In dusty, greasy, or damp areas, place glue traps
very early. inside rodent bait stations.
• After a week of trapping success, unset your traps yy Glue traps are most often used for mice.
for a week. • Larger glue traps with more sticky surface can be
• When you restart the trapping, move the traps used for rats.
several feet to new locations to take advantage • Rats generally do not die quietly or easily on a glue
of the mouse’s natural instinct to investigate new trap and may carry the trap away if it is not securely
things. anchored.
• For mice, place snap traps perpendicular to the wall yy Glue traps should be placed in the same locations
or object with the trigger next to the wall. that you would place snap traps, with the following
yy Snap traps can be baited with a food bait or nest exceptions:
material, or left unbaited. • Place glue traps lengthwise, parallel to the wall or
• There are now ready-made baits specifically other object that lines a runway.
designed for rodent traps. • Do not place glue traps in corners because mice
• he baits are nontoxic and some of them are slow down to explore corners and their whiskers
guaranteed free of peanut butter or other materials may touch the glue warning them away.
commonly associated with food allergy. • Do not place glue traps in direct sunlight.
yy Multiple-catch or automatic repeating mouse traps are • Don’t place glue traps in extremely cold conditions
large, metal or plastic traps that are capable of catching (below 20 degrees F.), or near open flames or on
up to 30 mice without having to be reset. hot pipes.
• Multiple-catch traps are for mice not for rats. • Place glue traps in “drop zones” where rodents are
• Mice are usually captured alive but can also be jumping down onto a surface.
caught on a glue board placed inside the trap for yy To increase effectiveness, set two or three glue traps
easy cleaning and to contain hairs and droppings. side by side, about an inch apart, so that a rodent
• Multiple-catch traps installed indoors do not have leaping over one will be caught in the second or third
to be anchored. (this also works for snap traps).
• d) Multiple-catch traps work because mice
are curious and will investigate new things in their
territories.
• “Mousy-smelling” traps generally improve trap
catch.

yy Insect traps come in many styles, but are designed yy Note: You can’t tell by looking at a glowing UV bulb
primarily for monitoring insects (and other arthropods) whether it’s working at full strength. Bulbs in continuous
rather than controlling them: use should be changed every twelve months, or more
• Sticky traps for crawling insects. frequently if the manufacturer recommends it, to
• Pheromone traps for certain flying and crawling coincide with the effective life of the bulb, even if they
insects. appear to be burning strongly.
• Fly traps. yy ILTs must be installed and maintained properly to be
• Jar traps, especially those for yellowjackets. effective.
• Insect light traps (ILTs) for flying insects that are • Most flying insects, such as moths, won’t respond
attracted to light. to lights more than 100 feet away.
yy Some insect traps can be used to control insects when • Flies rarely respond if the light is more than 25 feet
enough traps are placed in an infested area. away.
• ILTs can control low levels of flying insects that • You can greatly increase the effectiveness of the
occasionally enter a building from outside. traps by placing the right trap in the right location.
• Certain stored product pests will be suppressed yy Fly traps come in a wide range of styles, in addition to
when enough pheromone traps (designed for that insect light traps.
pest) are placed in a tight grid throughout a room. • Flypaper comes in sheets and rolls.
• Fly traps can suppress populations when placed • Window-mounted traps are small and relatively
in large enough numbers but are best used as a inconspicuous, and designed to take advantage of
supplemental control tool to capture occasional fly the tendency of many flies to fly to windows.
invaders. • Large wall-mounted traps use chemicals to attract
• Cockroach traps can knock down a small infestation the flies and glue to hold them.
limited to a restricted area such as a pantry. • Traps are also designed specifically for drosophila
• Yellowjacket traps can reduce an outdoor flies (fruit flies).
yellowjacket problem if many traps are used. yy Fly trapping should be viewed as a supplement to
yy In commercial food accounts, hospitals, and schools, finding and eliminating the source of the flies or to
ILTs can be a “first line of defense” control tool. preventing them from entering the building.
• ILTs kill flies and other flying pests that have yy Fly traps should be placed in the following general
entered the building from outside or that have locations:
emerged from infested materials. • In areas of known fly activity.
• Entryways are key locations for ILTs. • In areas that need special protection to capture the
• A good first line of defense is large ceiling-hung occasional fly that enters the room.
traps mounted 15-25 feet inside of the loading dock • Do not place over food preparation surfaces
and food delivery doors. because fly parts may fall down and contaminate
• The traps should be mounted perpendicular to the the surface.
door. • Do not use flypaper or open traps where you can
• Make sure that the light won’t be seen from outside see trapped flies in areas where there visibility
and won’t attract insects into the facility. might be offensive.
yy Most ILTs, however, should not be ceiling-hung, but yy Yellowjacket traps capture yellowjackets, hornets, and
placed low. other stinging insects as well as various flies.
• ILTs installed within five feet of the floor will capture • They have been used successfully to reduce
many more flies than ceiling-hung traps. yellowjacket activity in the fall when yellowjackets
• Install ILTs at key points along the flyways (paths) to are foraging around human food, drinks, and
stored or processed food; that’s where the flies will garbage.
be heading. • Always use an adequate number of traps, typically
• ILTs should be spaced at about 50 foot intervals in far more than you would think.
suspected flyways. »» For a serious fall yellowjacket problem around
• A narrow hallway is one of the best sites for a trap. a large school and its grounds, or a recreation/
• In food prep areas, place the traps to draw the picnic area you might need to trap ten or
insects away from the food. twenty thousand yellowjackets to significantly
• Make sure nothing is placed in front of an ILT, which reduce the activity.
will render it ineffective. »» To trap that many yellowjackets successfully,
you would need between fifty and one hundred
traps used over a period of a week.
• Sunny locations are the best trap sites.

yy Pheromone traps were discussed under monitoring, 3.2 VACUUMS

but when used to try and suppress a pest population
in a commercial food account, follow these general yy Vacuuming can be used effectively to control many
guidelines: pests and is ideally suited for green service.
• Place traps in a grid pattern, 20 to 60 feet apart, • Vacuuming is the quickest way to knock down
then concentrate the traps wherever you have populations of aggregating pests such as boxelder
trapped the target insect. bugs, cluster flies, clover mites, even yellowjackets,
• Place traps in areas where there have been pest and for pests that come inside in waves, such as
problems and in hard-to-clean areas where there millipedes.
could be product spillage. • Vacuuming with a crevice tool can eliminate large
• Place traps to avoid air currents and moisture. pockets of cockroaches and bed bugs in heavy
• Consider the insects’ habits. infestations quickly and effectively.
»» Traps will catch more moths near the ceiling • As an added benefit, vacuuming also removes
and more beetles near the ground. roach droppings, body parts, egg capsules, and
»» Use hanging traps only for flying insects. other allergens, as well as food particles and debris.
»» Cockroach pheromone traps should be placed yy For many pest problems, a vacuum may be all that is
as you would cockroach sticky traps. needed.
• Don’t place traps near doors, windows, vents, or • For other pest problems, a vacuum may be the only
loading docks where they could attract insects from control method that is acceptable.
outside. »» Examples include ants or cockroaches living
yy Live traps are often used to trap wildlife inside buildings inside an oven.
or on the grounds. yy Special vacuum attachments allow vacuuming under
• Use a properly sized and designed trap for the appliances and around sensitive equipment like
specific animal. computers.
• Stake down or otherwise secure the trap. yy After vacuuming, the vacuum bag should be dropped
• Allow the animal to get used to the trap by baiting it into a sealable plastic bag and discarded.
and locking it open for a few days. • Be aware that bed bugs and a few other pests can
• Leave a short bait trail to the trap. remain alive after being vacuumed.
• If possible, set the trap at the mouth of the target »» Bed bugs, in particular, can hang on to brush
animal’s burrow, otherwise set it along a regular bristles and the inside of the vacuum hose.
travel path. • Some technicians vacuum up talc or corn starch at
• If the animal is entering the building, place a the end of every service to kill any pests that might
trap at the entrance point, for example, next to a have remained alive inside the vacuum bag.
crawlspace vent. »» This abrades and desiccates any pests that
yy Treat trapped animals gently and humanely. might have remained alive, but it may not work
• Keep a trapped animal calm by keeping it in the against all pests.
dark; cover the cage with a tarp, sheet, burlap, box, yy acuums should be equipped with high efficiency filters
etc. (100-series of “HEPA” filters) to capture cockroach,
• Know and follow local regulations regarding release mouse, or other allergens that otherwise will become
or euthanasia. airborne.
• Animals that are to be released should be
transported 5-7 miles away.
yy Never release sick or lethargic animals. They may have
a serious disease such as rabies. Contact the health
department, local animal control, or the humane society.

3.3 THERMAL CONTROL

3.4 OTHER METHODS OF PHYSICAL
yy Some materials that are infested with pests can be PEST MANAGEMENT
disinfested with dry heat, steam, or cold.
yy Dry heat kills insects, and even their eggs. yy Items that are heavily infested with cockroaches, bed
• Holding a specimen at a temperature of 130°F for bugs, and other pests can be wrapped in plastic, taped,
three hours will kill any insect. and disposed of in the trash.
• Some insects are even more susceptible to heat. • Such action is most suitable to disposable items like
»» All stages of bed bugs will be killed at a a cabinet full of old paper bags, old cardboard, etc.
temperature of 118°F when held for two hours. • Disposal of other infested goods, such as furniture
»» Simply placing bed bug infested clothing and and fixtures, is at the customer’s discretion but is
items in a clothes dryer for 30 minutes will also usually unnecessary.
kill the bugs yy Mattress and box spring encasements can be used to
• Small items can be heated in an oven to kill help control bed bugs and dust mites by trapping them
infesting pests. inside.
• Larger items may require a commercial kiln. yy Moisture reduction can prevent and sometimes
• Items can also be placed inside storage pods, even suppress or eliminate certain insect and mite
panel trucks or trailers, or under tarps and then populations.
heated with portable forced-air heaters to raise the • Examples include millipedes, springtails, and
temperature to the desired level. psocids, which require relatively high levels of
yy Heat treatment of equipment, an individual room, or an moisture to survive.
entire facility is done occasionally. • In some cases simply reducing moisture levels
• Against flour beetles and similar stored product through structural changes, ventilation, or using
pests in cereal mills and other facilities. dehumidifiers will eventually desiccate and kill the
• For bed bug control. pests.
• For drywood termite control. • Even when reduced moisture does not kill the
yy Various types of heaters are used, most commonly pests directly, it may make it impossible for them to
propane or electric. reproduce.
• Care must be taken not to damage materials, wood
floors or heat sensitive equipment.
• Sprinklers and other fire suppression systems have
to be modified to prevent them from going off.
yy Steam can be used to kill bed bugs.
• Steam is most often used on mattresses, box
springs, upholstered furniture, inside wooden
furniture, and carpet edges.
• Steam treatment will kill any bed bugs that the
steam can reach.
• There is a limited kill zone around the treatment
head so it must be placed in direct contact with the
treated material.
• There is a risk of heat damage and moisture buildup
in treated material.
yy Most pests can be also killed by freezing infested
materials in a large commercial freezer that can reach
temperatures of 0°F or lower for at least 48 hours,
although four to six days is preferable.
yy Spot cold treatment can also be done with special
equipment that sprays a “snow” of frozen carbon
dioxide.
yy Low, but above-freezing temperatures, usually 40-42°F,
can be used to protect items in storage.

Pesticides
4.1 INTRODUCTION: yy In some green programs, pesticides are not used until
THE GREEN APPROACH TO PESTICIDES a pest reaches some predetermined level called an
“action threshold.”
yy The primary methods of pest management in green • An action threshold is the point at which a
service are as follows: technician takes action to reduce a pest’s numbers.
• Nonchemical strategies such as sanitation, »» Examples might include 3 cockroaches in a
harborage reduction, and physical, mechanical, sticky trap or 5 flies in a hallway.
cultural, and biological controls. • Below that action threshold, no direct control action
• But no matter how aggressively you use these is taken (although action may be taken to correct
nonchemical strategies, pests may sometimes take sanitation, clutter, and other problems that can lead
the upper hand, and pesticides may be needed. to pests).
• In addition, if an infestation is established when • Only if a pest reaches its predetermined action
service begins, or if nonchemical strategies are threshold does a technician take action to control
unavailable, impractical, unsatisfactory, or not that pest.
economically viable, pesticides may need to be yy When a pesticide is necessary, it shall be applied:
used. • With a precise application technique.
yy Pesticides are often very effective at killing pests and • In the smallest area to be effective.
when used properly the benefits are easy to see. By • Using the minimum quantity of pesticide necessary
killing pests, pesticides also: to achieve control.
• Protect health by controlling disease-causing pests yy A residual pesticide may only be applied in one of the
and stinging insects. following ways:
• Improve quality of life by eliminating cockroaches, • As a directed treatment to a void or other
bed bugs, etc. inaccessible area, crack and crevice, or to other
• Protect property by preventing termites areas humans would not normally contact.
yy But every pesticide is toxic to some degree and so • As a spot treatment both outdoors and indoors.
pesticides present risks as well as benefits to people • Contained in a bait station.
and the environment. yy A pesticide must be applied according to the label
• The risk can range from negligible to severe, and in compliance with U.S. Environmental Protection
depending on the toxicity of the pesticide and the Agency and state laws and regulations.
degree of exposure. • The company and applicator must have the proper
• People exposed to excessive levels of a pesticide licenses and state registration or certification (if
may suffer short-term or long-term health effects. applicable).
• Children are especially susceptible to certain • Pesticide reporting requirements must be followed.
pesticides. yy An applicator, prior to and while applying a pesticide
• Pesticides in the environment can damage outdoors, shall first evaluate current conditions
nontarget plants and animals, contaminate water, including:
cause fish kills, etc. • Equipment to be used.
yy The indiscriminate use of pesticides is unacceptable in • Meteorological conditions (including predicted
green service. rainfall).
• Pesticides are only applied according to need and • The property to be treated (including irrigation and
not by predetermined schedule. sprinkler systems).
• Exceptions are for situations where such application • The surrounding properties to determine the
is required. Examples include the following: likelihood of harm or damage to non-target species.
»» Required by the customer or by customer yy No pesticide application shall be made or continued
policy. when:
»» Required by regulatory agencies or agency • There is a reasonable likelihood that the application
auditors. will expose persons or clothing of persons not
yy When used as part of green service, pesticides shall involved in the application process.
be applied only in such a way as to minimize the risk to
non-target organisms and the environment, including
water quality.
Pesticides
• There is a reasonable possibility of damage to, or yy There are both acute and chronic effects.
contamination of, non-target plants, animals, or • Acute effects are the adverse effects of a substance
other public or private property, including water which result either from a single exposure or from
running off or running near a treated area during or multiple exposures in a short space of time (usually
any time after the treatment. less than 24 hours).
yy Fogging with pesticides in the interior of structures »» To be described as acute, the adverse
where humans live or work shall not be used unless all effects should occur within 14 days of the
other methods of control have been exhausted. administration of the substance.
• Note that the point-source application of insect »» Examples of acute effects include skin or eye
growth regulators is not categorized as fogging. irritation, cholinesterase inhibition or any other
yy Perimeter pesticide treatments around the outside of quickly apparent physiological impact such as
structures shall not be used unless all other methods of difficult breathing, nausea or headaches.
control have been exhausted. • Chronic effects, on the other hand, are harmful
yy If the use of rodenticides are necessary, they shall effects over an extended period usually after
be placed in tamper-resistant bait stations that are repeated or continuous exposure.
anchored to the substrate. »» Examples of chronic effects (not necessarily
• There are exceptions to this rule for using tamper- attributed to pesticides) include cancer,
resistant bait stations: reproductive damage, birth defects, or
»» When used for baiting in secure or locked endocrine disruption.
areas. yy There are also allergic effects. Some pesticides are
»» When placed in inaccessible voids. more likely than other to cause allergic reactions in
»» When baiting in sewer lines. some people, although not in others.
• Allergic reactions are not thought to occur during
4.2 SELECTING AND USING PESTICIDES a person’s first exposure, but may occur after
IN GREEN SERVICE subsequent exposures.
• Allergic reactions can range from itchy, watery eyes
yy There is no list that tells you which pesticides may to rashes, all the way to systemic effects such as
or may not be used in green service; you make the asthma.
decision based on conditions at the site. This means • Allergy is of special concern in sensitive sites such
choosing the pesticide product: as those with ill or elderly residents, or with very
• Whose end-use material (the spray or dust or young children.
aerosol that is actually applied including any yy PMPs performing GreenPro service always check the
residues that are left behind) poses the lowest risk precautionary statements on the pesticide label for
to people. statements about allergy and sensitization and evaluate
• Which will have the least impact on the the potential for allergic reactions when choosing
environment (such things as water quality, products and application methods for a particular site.
air quality, nontarget animals and plants, and yy The toxicity of the end-use product (for example, the
endangered species). spray applied to a surface after being diluted) is often
yy When choosing between similar effective pesticide much less than the packaged pesticide product.
products, PMPs performing GreenPro service choose • Two pesticide products with the same signal word
the best product after conducting a “risk assessment” may pose different risks to people in the treated
and evaluating four risk variables: area if, say, one is designed to be used full strength
• Toxicity and the other to be mixed with water and diluted to
• Potential environmental impact a 1% solution.
• Potential for exposure yy People can be exposed to pesticides in several ways.
• Sensitivity of the site • Applicators face the greatest risk of exposure,
yy Toxicity is the degree to which a chemical is poisonous. especially during mixing and application.
• It is a physical characteristic of a material just like • People can also be exposed by entering treated
its boiling point. areas too soon after application, before sprays have
• The more toxic a chemical is, the less of it is dried, dusts have settled out, or airborne residues
required to do damage. have disappeared.
• The toxicity of a chemical is not the same thing as • People may be exposed to small but continuous
its hazard. doses if they work, live, or play in rooms with
• The toxicity of a product can be approximated by pesticide residues on rugs, furniture, food
the signal word (CAUTION, WARNING, DANGER, preparation surfaces, etc., or by inhaling volatile
DANGER-POISON) on the label. residues in the air.

Pesticides
• Small children may be exposed by touching, licking, yy When applying liquid, bait, or dust insecticides, crack
or eating pesticide residues. and crevice treatment reduces potential exposure.
• Spills caused by accident or carelessness can • Crack and crevice treatment means small amounts
cause pesticide exposures. of insecticide spray, dust, or bait applied into cracks
yy Pesticides can damage the environment if misused. and crevices, or voids where insects hide.
• Runoff of pesticide can contaminate ground water • Apply insecticide as deeply as possible into the
(for drinking or irrigation) or surface water (streams, crack or void.
ponds, estuaries, etc.), where it can also impact • Typical crack and crevice application sites would be
nontarget aquatic organisms. inside hollow legs of equipment, behind countertop
• Drift can carry airborne residues into nontarget splash guards, in cracks or missing grout in ceramic
areas such as a neighbor’s property, fish pond, tile, around conduits and the flange where pipes
vegetable garden, pet water bowl, play areas, or into enter walls, floor or ceiling, inside motor housings,
a ventilation system. and around drip trays under refrigeration units.
• Misapplication can damage plants and kill • A “crack and crevice only” labeling does not allow
nontarget organisms. treatment of exposed surfaces.
yy Environmental impact is of major concern for pesticide • Liquid application is best done with a crack and
applications outdoors and for termite treatment. crevice extension tip. Use a pressure of 8-15 psi and
• PMPs performing GreenPro service should favor avoid any splashback.
products and application methods with lesser risks • Treatment of electrical panels and boxes must be
to ground water, surface water, bees, and other done with extreme care according to the label, and
nontarget animals and plants, as well as reduced liquids should not be used.
chances of drift or other movement into nontarget • Dusts are applied into cracks and crevices and
areas. wall and cabinet voids using a hand duster. Never
• PMPs performing GreenPro service check for dust into ceiling voids that are above food-handling
environmental impacts on the Environmental areas.
Hazards section of the pesticide label. yy Spot treatment limits potential exposure, though not
yy The potential for exposure during or after treatment as much as crack and crevice treatment, but are still
varies with both the product and the application method acceptable in green service.
used at the site. yy Spot treatment is a limited application to areas where
yy Risks to human health or the environment are the result insects may occur.
of both the toxicity of and exposure to a product (risk = • Spot treatments are usually done with a flat fan
exposure + toxicity). For example: nozzle.
• The potential hazard to occupants of a room of an • Treated sites may be on floors, walls, or bases of
insecticide applied into a hidden void is much less equipment but should not be areas that may come
than the hazard of the same product when applied in contact with food or utensils.
as a fan spray to an accessible surface. • Individual spot treatments cannot exceed two
• The potential hazard to children and pets of a (2) square feet and spot treatments should not
rodenticide secured inside a tamper-resistant bait constitute more than 20% of the surface.
station is much less than the same rodenticide yy In some cases, a perimeter barrier treatment outdoors
applied to the ground. to prevent pest entry can reduce potential exposure
• A PMP can effectively reduce risk by reducing the for people inside by eliminating the need for interior
potential exposure to a toxic substance. treatment.
yy Reducing risk from pesticides used in green service • A perimeter barrier treatment is the application of
is often more about how and where you apply the pesticides to thresholds and other entrances, the
pesticide rather than its toxicity. foundation, and the soil adjacent to the foundation.
• Choose application methods that reduce the risk of • A barrier treatment may be made with residual
exposure to people, pets, and other nontargets. sprays, dusts, or granules.
• Apply the pesticide to inaccessible and hidden or • Barrier treatments are primarily targeted to outdoor
protected areas whenever possible. pests that may become invaders or nuisances when
• PMPs performing GreenPro service favor their populations build up.
formulations such as insecticide baits, and yy For insects and other arthropod pests indoors, baits
application methods such as void treatment and are often the best choice if an insecticide is considered
crack and crevice application, that reduce the risk of necessary.
exposure. • Baits are specific to certain pests and are very
• The risk of exposure can also be reduced by effective against those pests.
applying products as needed rather than on a
schedule.
Pesticides
• Compared to many other insecticide formulations, yy The pesticide label provides instructions telling how to
baits have relatively low toxicity and hazard to correctly use the product.
people. • Where it can be used.
• Baits do not easily vaporize to produce airborne • What pests are controlled by the product.
residues. • Directions for mixing and application.
• Many baits are designed to be placed in voids, • It briefly highlights how toxic the pesticide is
cracks and crevices, further reducing hazard. to people, and discusses ways to reduce risks
• Bait stations provide their own voids, cracks and (precautions).
crevices. • The label is the law regarding the use of the product
• Baits are typically not considered a risk by people and should be read each and every time a pesticide
who are otherwise nervous about pesticides. is used.
• Bait treatments do not leave behind any noticeable yy The safety data sheet, called an SDS for short, is a
odor. guide to the hazards of a pesticide.
yy Insecticide baits are available for cockroaches, ants, • An SDS has some of the same information that you
termites, crickets, and other pests. can find on a pesticide label.
• Baits come in many formulations: bait stations, • But it provides more technical details on (1)
injectable gels, pastes, granules, and liquids. identification and ingredients, (2) potential hazards,
• Insecticide bait may be packaged inside tubes or and (3) safety recommendations.
syringes that you squeeze to apply, or designed to yy For some products there are consumer information
be applied by various types of bait “guns” or with a sheets that provide technical information related to
small spatula or putty knife. the end use product which is more suitable for your
• The main benefits of injectable baits over other customer.
baits are that the placements are hidden, and that yy Pesticides are grouped into categories based on how
the baits are more easily placed inside cracks, toxic they are to people, animals, and the environment.
crevices, and voids. • Special identifying words — called “signal words” —
yy The sensitivity of the site to pesticide exposure also are printed in large letters on every pesticide
affects the choice of product. • label to show how toxic the product is.
• Schools, medical facilities, homes with infants or • The signal words are DANGER, WARNING, and
with ill or elderly individuals, and other locations CAUTION.
with people or animals that are more susceptible • The signal words refer to the toxicity of the
to pesticide exposure require special consideration concentrated material inside the original container;
and a greater margin of safety. if the material is diluted the toxicity will be reduced
• The same is true when servicing outdoor areas with significantly.
special environmental concerns, such as a high yy Pesticide products labeled DANGER are highly toxic.
water table, nearby marsh, or endangered species. • If the concentrate was swallowed, as little as a taste
• When a pesticide is necessary in such a sensitive to a teaspoonful could kill the average person.
site, PMPs performing a GreenPro service choose • All highly toxic pesticides that are very likely
only products and application methods having the to cause acute illness through oral, dermal,
very lowest risk potential. or inhalation exposure, also will carry the
word POISON printed in red and the skull and
4.3 WHERE TO FIND HAZARD INFORMATION crossbones symbol.
REGARDING PESTICIDES • Products that have the signal word DANGER due
to skin and eye irritation potential will not carry the
yy The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and state word POISON or the skull and crossbones symbol.
pesticide registration processes are designed to ensure yy Pesticide products labeled WARNING are moderately
that when a product is used in accordance with its toxic.
labeling, there is a “reasonable certainty of no harm to • They may cause acute illness from oral, dermal,
human health or the environment.” or inhalation exposure, or they are likely to cause
yy Two documents supply information on handling and moderate skin or eye irritation.
use of a particular pesticide product, on storage • The fatal oral dose for the concentrate is estimated
and disposal, and on hazards to people and the to be between one and three teaspoonfuls.
environment:
• Pesticide labeling.
• Safety data sheet (SDS).

Pesticides
yy Pesticide products labeled CAUTION are slightly toxic • Large leaks or spills require specially trained and
or relatively nontoxic and have only slight potential to equipped emergency crews.
cause illness or skin or eye irritation. yy The early steps you take to control a pesticide spill can
• The vast majority of pesticides used by pest reduce or eliminate damage or injury, and the faster you
management professionals in our industry carry act, the less chance the spill will cause harm.
caution labels and so are classified as slightly toxic • Carry a spill control kit in your vehicle.
or relatively nontoxic. • Be sure you know what to do before you have a
spill.
4.4 PESTICIDE SAFETY IN GREEN SERVICE yy If you have a pesticide spill, be calm and reasoned but
work quickly to protect people and the environment.
yy It is a violation of law to use a pesticide in a manner • Try to enlist responsible help.
inconsistent with its labeling. • Remember to protect yourself and others who are
• Always read label instructions before every working on the spill.
application. • Use personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Always follow the label instructions for every • Follow proper spill control and decontamination
application. procedures as developed by your company.
yy You must exactly follow all mandatory statements and yy Ground water can become contaminated with
instructions on a label. pesticides and decontamination of this water can be
• A mandatory statement will contain such key difficult or impossible. Contamination can occur when:
words as “must,” “shall,” and “will,” or it will use an • Rain carries dissolved pesticide down through
expression such as “do not,” “use only,” or “for use • the soil (a process called leaching).
only by.” • Pesticide is back-siphoned from pesticide tanks.
• Statements containing words like “should,” “may,” • Termiticides enter wells during termite treatment.
and “it is recommended that” are suggestions only • Pesticides, particularly concentrates, are not
and you may depart from them. disposed of properly.
yy Use pesticides only if the site of your application is yy Protect ground water from contamination by following
specified on the pesticide label. the label and good application practices:
yy If the use of a rodenticide bait is necessary, place the • Assess the risk of ground-water contamination
bait in a tamper-resistant bait station that is anchored before treatment by checking soil type, looking for
to the substrate. wells, cisterns, springs, streams, storm drains, and
• There are exceptions to this rule for using tamper- other potential routes to ground water, and knowing
resistant bait stations: the depth of the ground water in an area.
»» When used for baiting in secure or locked • Choose products least likely to leach (check the
areas. label or contact the manufacturer).
»» When placed in inaccessible voids. • Avoid spills and clean up any spills immediately.
»» When baiting in sewer lines. • Use a backflow preventer and/or air gap when
yy Choose formulations of rodent bait that are least filling spray tanks.
susceptible to bait translocation, which is when rodents • Do not apply outdoor applications if rain is forecast,
(or other animals) carry bait out of the treatment site or if the ground is saturated or frozen.
into a new area. yy Pesticide applicators are legally responsible for
• Blocks are the best bait formulation to use inside a “properly” disposing of their leftover pesticides
bait station because they are easily secured on rods including all of the following:
to prevent the rats from moving the bait out of the • Rinsewater — solutions used to rinse application
station. equipment and product containers.
• Loose pellets are usually the best choice when • Empty containers — containers that retain pesticide
burrow baiting since they are not as easy to kick out residues.
of a burrow as other baits. • Unused pesticides — old pesticides, unusable,
yy When using pesticides, work carefully to prevent spills. diluted pesticides, or unidentifiable materials.
• A spill is any accidental release of pesticide. • Contaminated soil — soil or other substrate
• The spill may be minor, requiring little cleanup (carpets, furniture, spill control products)
effort, or it may be major, involving large amounts of contaminated from spills.
pesticide and serious contamination.
• Even a spill that appears minor can endanger you,
other people, and the environment, especially if
mishandled.

Pesticides
yy Check the label for specific disposal instructions for a yy Pesticide drift can happen during indoor applications,
particular product. as well.
• Instructions will usually be found in a section called • Fans, air conditioners, and blowers create indoor
“Disposal” or “Storage and Disposal.” wind that moves pesticide where it is not wanted.
• Sometimes, however, the disposal instructions may • Even void treatment can generate drift if applied
be found under a different heading so be sure to under too high a pressure, drifting out of the void
read the entire label. through holes, electrical outlets, or vents.
• State rules may sometimes be more specific on yy Green service emphasizes communication with your
methods of disposal so be familiar with them. customer, including communication about potential
yy When you clean a sprayer or other application pesticide hazards.
equipment, you cannot just pour the rinse water down • Customers should have access to product labels
the drain. and consumer information sheets for any pesticide
• The rinse water from this cleaning, called “rinsate,” used on their property.
contains diluted pesticide. • Communications may also include notification and/
• If you can, handle this rinsate just as you do rinsate or posting when pesticides are applied.
from triple-rinsed containers — use it in a sprayer as yy Some facilities, especially schools, require advanced
a diluent or an end-use dilution. notification before pesticides are applied.
• Otherwise, this diluted pesticide must be disposed • Notification of parents and staff is primarily the
of as a hazardous material. responsibility of the school.
yy Drift is the movement of the pesticide away from the »» The technician may be required to provide
site or pest you are treating and into nontarget areas. advanced, written notice to the school before
• Pesticide drift is the responsibility of the applicator using a pesticide, or before using certain
and, when it occurs, may be considered a pesticides, or before using pesticides in certain
misapplication under FIFRA. areas.
yy Learn how to anticipate and avoid problems with drift. »» Insect baits, pastes, gels, antimicrobials,
• Drift is most common outdoors with power sprays. or other materials used in ways presenting
• Drift is most likely during outdoor application with minimal risk of human exposure are often
wind 10 mph and higher. exempt from notification and posting
• Other factors, such as temperature, humidity, and requirements, but this will be determined by
droplet size also contribute to pesticide drift. specific school policy.
yy When treating outdoors, technicians need to check for • Some schools also send notices home to those
things that could be contaminated by pesticide drift. parents who wish to be informed before pesticide
Examples include fish ponds, play areas, vegetable application.
gardens, sandboxes, swing sets, intake vents, laundry • A school may have a registry of students and staff
on the line, lawn furniture, pet water bowls, pet runs, who are sensitive to pesticides. These people must
bee hives, vehicles, and streams. be notified before pesticides are applied.
yy When spraying outdoors, take steps to reduce the risk yy Some customers may require that notices of future
of drift. pesticide treatment be posted, in advance, at the
• Do not spray when wind is blowing toward sensitive building entrance, lobby, and area to be treated.
areas. • The process of putting up notices of treatment is
• Do not spray when it is windy. called “posting.”
• Use the lowest application pressure practicable. yy Signs are also posted on the day the pesticide is to be
• Choose a nozzle that produces a coarse spray. applied, and typically instruct people not to enter the
• Use a commercial “drift reduction” (thickening) treated area, and instruct staff not to remove the signs
agent in your tank. for a period of at least 24 hours or for the label-specified
yy Pesticide drift can, on rare occasions, occur even hours reentry period, whichever is longer.
or days after an application. • Door hangers, warning notices, and instructional
• A dried wettable powder residue might be tracked sheets can warn people that an area was treated,
into a restaurant’s kitchen on a worker’s shoes. identify the pesticide applied, tell them when they
• The day after a perimeter treatment of a home, a may reenter the room, and provide other instruction
storm can blow piles of treated leaves into a nearby and warnings.
fish pond. • The more specific the warnings, the better.
• Use the pesticide label as your guide.
• Outdoors, the notices or markers must be placed
around the perimeter of the treatment area.
• Indoors, notices are sometimes placed on main
doors and near sites of planned applications.
Study Questions
1. CUSTOMER EDUCATION AND 6) Why are customer education and communications

COMMUNICATION critical for green service?
a) Green service may be different from the pest control
1) How do pest management companies “go green”? service the customer has had
a) Establish a green image through color changes b) Green service requires a higher level of customer
(green vehicles and uniforms) and green cooperation
advertising c) Some customers will have an incorrect view of
b) Eliminate the use of pesticides for controlling green service
pests d) All of the above
c) Adopt tools and methods that reduce potential
environmental impacts 7) Who is usually responsible for correcting structural
d) Offer lawn care and ornamental pest problems in green service?
management a) Technician
b) Supervisor
2) Which statement below is TRUE when talking about c) Customer
the term “environment” in green pest management d) None of the above
service?
a) The environment is limited to the area around the 8) When providing green service, you are also required to
outside of buildings educate your customer in which of the following topics?
b) The environment includes the human a) Customer responsibilities
environment inside buildings b) Label comprehension
c) The environment is the attitudes of customers c) Crack and crevice application
about pesticides d) Recycling
d) None of the above
9) What is the best description of green service
3) Which statement is TRUE about green service? communications?
a) Monitoring for pests and conditions contributing a) Talking with people on site
to pests is of critical importance b) Writing reports
b) Far more time will be spent actually controlling c) Verbal communications and written reports
pests than in inspection d) Service records
c) Technicians follow strict protocols and are not
decision-makers 10) What is the best procedure for determining the success
d) All of the above or failure of your service?
a) Reviewing written records
4) How are pesticides used in green service? b) Surveying residents or staff at the account
a) Pesticides are never used in true green service c) Asking your on-site contact
b) Only baits, boric acid dust, or EPA-exempt d) Meeting with your supervisor
products are used
c) Pesticides are used when necessary 11) Why should you review written records before each
d) Pesticides are only used outdoors service?
a) To see of there are any pest trends you should
5) Which of the following is the cornerstone of GreenPro address
service? b) To check that recommendations have been followed
a) Integrated pest management c) To see what actions have been taken so that you
b) Less toxic pesticide selection can evaluate their effectiveness
c) Nonchemical pest management d) All of the above
d) Customer education

Study Questions
2. PEST PREVENTION 19) Which of the following tools can be used to monitor
pests?
12) Which one of the following tasks is NOT part a) Sticky trap
ofmonitoring in green service? b) Tracking patch
a) Replacing cockroach bait c) Insect Light Trap (ILT)
b) Identifying pests and their locations d) All of the above
c) Identifying conducive conditions
d) Assessing customer satisfaction with service 20) Which of the following can be used to monitor pests in
a food account?
13) Why is proper identification of pests essential? a) Peanut bait
a) Different pests have different habits and food b) Tracking powder
requirements c) Nontoxic rodent bait
b) What works for one pest may not work against d) None of the above
another similar pest
c) One pest may be attracted to a trap while another 21) Which monitoring tool uses chemicals to attract pests?
similar pest is not a) Pheromone trap
d) All of the above b) Tracking patch
c) Insect light trap
14) What should be your strategy when inspecting a room d) All of the above
for pests?
a) Spend more time in areas at higher risk of pests 22) Which of the following statements is TRUE about sticky
b) Thoroughly inspect all areas of the room to ensure traps?
you don’t miss anything a) They can help identify the focus of the infestation
c) Look for live pests, do not waste your time on b) They work for all pests
droppings, damage, etc. c) If sticky traps are empty the area is pest free
d) Concentrate on floor level harborage areas d) All of the above
15) Which of the following areas should be considered a 23) Which of the following statements is TRUE about
high-risk pest site? monitoring tools in general?
a) Equipment voids and structural voids a) They work 24 hours per day, seven days a week
b) Bright, well lighted zones b) They pinpoint precise areas of activity for nighttime
c) The center of a shelf or work surface pests
d) All of the above c) They help assess the size of the infestation and its
level of development
16) Why are utility lines, wall/floor intersects, rows d) All of the above
of stored materials, and equipment edges good
inspection sites? 24) What does it tell you if you capture cockroaches on only
a) They tend to be warm and pests like warmth one side of a sticky trap?
b) They tend to be dark and pests like dark over a) That you are likely dealing with a large,
lighted areas longstanding population
c) They run in straight lines and pests tend to follow b) That you may be dealing with a new infestation that
straight lines has moved in from a nearby infested site
d) None of the above c) That there is a pocket of infestation within a few
feet
17) Which is a likely site for rodent droppings? d) That the cockroaches are coming from that
a) Inside drop ceilings direction
b) On counters, stoves, food prep surfaces
c) In the base of stoves and refrigerators 25) What does it tell you if you capture adult cockroaches
d) All of the above and various sized nymphs in a sticky trap?
a) That you are likely dealing with a large,
18) What is a conducive condition? longstanding population
a) A condition that might lead to pest problems b) That you may be dealing with a new infestation that
b) Screens on windows has moved in from a nearby infested site
c) Caulking/sealants around pipes and utility entry c) That there is a pocket of infestation within a few
points feet
d) All of the above d) That the cockroaches are coming from that
direction
Study Questions
26) What does it tell you if you capture only adult 33) Never let a pheromone trap go unchecked for longer
cockroaches and large nymphs in a sticky trap? than what time frame?
a) That you are likely dealing with a large, a) 1 week
longstanding population b) 1 month
b) That you may be dealing with a new infestation c) 3 months
that has moved in from a nearby infested site d) 1 year
c) That there is a pocket of infestation within a few
feet 34) Which statement is TRUE regarding pheromone traps?
d) That the cockroaches are coming from that a) Traps will catch more moths near the ceiling and
direction more beetles near the ground
b) Traps will catch more beetles near the ceiling and
27) What does it tell you if you capture mostly small more moths near the ground
nymphs in a sticky trap? c) Place traps near doors, windows, vents, or loading
a) That you are likely dealing with a large, docks
longstanding population d) None of the above
b) That you may be dealing with a new infestation
that has moved in from a nearby infested site 35) How can rodent monitoring blocks improve your use of
c) That there is a pocket of infestation within a few rodenticides?
feet a) They let you confirm rodent activity before toxic bait
d) That the cockroaches are coming from that application
direction b) They can overcome a rat’s hesitancy to enter a bait
station
28) Which is the best location for placing a sticky trap for c) They protect nontarget wildlife in a baiting area
capturing cockroaches? d) All of the above
a) Stuck in the middle of a cabinet door
b) The back corner of a food shelf 36) Which statement is TRUE about tracking patches?
c) On a stove top a) They can be used to identify the species and the
d) At least 3 feet from cockroach spotting direction of movement
b) A flashlight shined across the patch at a high angle
29) What should you do if a sticky trap captures pests? gives the best view of the tracks.
a) Replace the trap c) A tracking patch should be used where there is a
b) Record the capture information risk of contamination of food
c) Consider placing more traps in the area d) All of the above
d) All of the above
37) What are the three goals of pest-proofing in green
30) What is the maximum effective life for a sticky trap? service?
a) 1 week a) Monitoring, control, exclusion
b) 1 month b) Caulking, sealing, control
c) 3 months c) Control, monitoring, physical alteration
d) 1 year d) Exclusion, isolation, harborage elimination
31) Which statement is TRUE about pheromones? 38) Which type of building typically requires the most pest-
a) Sex pheromone traps usually only attract male proofing?
insects a) New buildings
b) Sex pheromone traps usually only attract female b) Old buildings
insects c) Frame buildings
c) Aggregation pheromone traps usually attract only d) Brick buildings
males
d) Aggregation pheromone traps usually attract only 39) Which of these is an example of pest-proofing?
females a) Applying a sealant around pipes
b) Applying gel bait to exterior crack
32) For which pests are pheromone traps available? c) Steaming
a) Certain species of ants d) All of the above
b) Certain fabric pests such as clothes moths
c) Roof rats
d) All of the above

Study Questions
40) Which of the following is a potential additional benefit 48) Which of the following techniques can result in “pest
to doing physical alterations for pest-proofing? isolation” within a building?
a) Solution is permanent a) Installing air doors at loading docks
b) It can improve heat or cool air retention b) Sealing around utility line entry points to the
c) It can compliment building maintenance programs building
d) All of the above c) Repairing screens on windows
d) Sealing around pipes that run between floors or
41) Which statement is TRUE about pest exclusion? rooms
a) It is equally effective for pests of all sizes
b) It is most effective against smaller pests 49) Which of the following is generally NOT the
c) It is most effective against larger pests responsibility of a green technician?
d) It is only effective against rats a) Upgrading housekeeping services
b) Reporting clutter in a storage area
42) What is the minimum size opening that a mouse can c) Providing recommendations to remove grease
squeeze through? around cooking surfaces
a) 1/8 inch d) Documenting that a customer has corrected a
b) 1/4 inch sanitation problem
c) 1/2 inch
d) 1 inch 50) Which of the following statements is TRUE about
sanitation in commercial kitchens?
43) Which statement is TRUE about expandable foam a) Dirty food preparation surfaces should be cleaned
sealants? first thing in the morning
a) Rodents can easily chew through them b) Food preparation surfaces should never remain
b) They should never be used for pest proofing uncleaned overnight
c) They should be your primary exclusion tool c) Floors must be washed down weekly
d) They are too expensive for pest exclusion d) All of the above
44) What are the benefits of door sealers such as sweeps, 51) Why must mop buckets be emptied after each use and
brush seals, and the like? wet mops and rags cleaned and hung to dry?
a) They keep out insects, rodents, and other pests a) To prevent odor problems
b) They reduce heating and air conditioning costs b) To eliminate fruit fly breeding
c) They reduce sound and light infiltration into a c) To prevent house flies
building d) To reduce the risk of mice
d) All of the above
52) Why do catch trays in ILTs need to be emptied
45) How can you best pest-proof a loading dock door to regularly?
prevent flying insects from entering? a) To avoid dermestids
a) Install an air curtain b) So the trays do not overflow
b) Require doors to be closed at all times c) To track insect problems
c) Install a line of pheromone traps to intercept pests d) All of the above
d) All of the above
53) How wide does an inspection aisle (sanitation aisle)
46) Which is the best method to keep birds from roosting need to be in a food storage or processing area?
on window ledges? a) 6 inches
a) Install an air curtain on top of window b) 6-12 inches
b) Apply an avicide to the ledges c) 12-18 inches
c) Install porcupine wire or pin and wire to ledge d) 18-24 inches
d) Repair screens
54) Which statement is TRUE regarding food storage
47) What is the best way to keep rodents from entering a areas?
building through holes around electrical utility lines? a) Managers need to practice FILO (First In Last Out)
a) Apply an appropriate sealant to seal the holes when storing food
b) Apply expandable foam in the holes around the b) Advise customers to store all cardboard packaging
pipes together rather than spread throughout the area
c) Stuff the holes with copper mesh c) Stored packaged foods should be stacked on
d) Apply a rodenticide tracking powder into the holes industrial grade, steel wire shelves
d) All of the above
Study Questions
55) Which statement is TRUE regarding garbage cans and 61) What is the primary reason to avoid blooming plants
plastic liners? near entryways and public areas?
a) Well designed garbage receptacles shouldn’t a) To minimize bee and wasp stings
require a plastic liner b) To make the area less attractive to rats and mice
b) Liners should not be removed until garbage c) To limit food competition with baits
pickup is scheduled d) To keep pest birds out of the area
c) Technicians should take out liners and inspect
underneath them 62) Which statement is TRUE related to pest management
d) All of the above and weeds?
a) Make sure that there are no weedy areas that are
56) Which statement is TRUE about dumpsters? being ignored by your customer
a) Flies inside a building are often traced to flies b) Weeds along fence lines or around abandoned
attracted to and breeding around dumpsters equipment or debris are particularly attractive to
outside rodents
b) Dumpsters should be located 50 feet or more from c) String trimmers should be used to mechanically
outside doors; 75 feet if at a food facility manage weeds on a regular basis
c) Dumpsters should be situated on a thick concrete d) All of the above
pad that has foundation toes on the outside
d) All of the above 63) Which statement about mulch and pest management is
TRUE?
57) Which statement about dumpsters is FALSE? a) To minimize weeds, organic mulch should be
a) Drain holes should never be left open (except applied 4-inches deep in a 3-foot wide band around
during cleaning) the foundation
b) Dumpsters should be checked by staff twice b) Termites can travel through the protective mulch
weekly, and any trash picked up that didn’t end up above ground and enter the building through
inside the dumpster foundation cracks, conduits, or weep holes in brick
c) Customers should limit the use of shrubbery c) Organic mulches decompose into components that
around dumpster enclosures repel millipedes, sowbugs or pillbugs, cockroaches,
d) Staff should police the area immediately after the slugs, earwigs, and crickets
dumpster has been emptied d) Organic mulch will reduce moisture around the
foundation
58) Which type of plant is LEAST attractive to rats and
mice? 64) What recommendation should you make to a food plant
a) Mound-shaped shrubs to reduce pest problems at the foundation perimeter?
b) Wineglass-shaped shrubs a) Create a bare strip 6-12 inches wide along the
c) Ground covers such as juniper or ivy foundation
d) Espaliered bushes grown against a wall b) Create a 2-3 foot wide inspection strip around the
perimeter of the structure
59) Why do thorny bushes present a special problem c) Apply a band of mulch 4-inches deep in a 3-foot
regarding rodents? wide around the perimeter
a) Thorny bushes provide a protected hiding place d) Plant a ground cover along the foundation wall
b) Thorny bushes are difficult to inspect
c) Thorny bushes capture food debris and other trash 65) Which statement is TRUE about exterior lights?
d) All of the above a) Even a small light can be seen for miles.
b) Bright security lights often become beacons that
60) What is the main pest management issue when trees attract insects in large numbers.
are planted close to a building? c) Insects attracted to lights at the building perimeter
a) Branches that touch the building often find their way inside.
b) Shade on the building d) All of the above
c) Leaves that fall to the ground
d) Root intrusion

Study Questions
66) Which statement is TRUE about insects and lights? 3. PHYSICAL PEST MANAGEMENT
a) All things being equal, a 200 watt bulb will attract
about the same number of insects as a 100 watt 72) Why are traps especially suited for green service?
light a) They are a nontoxic substitute for pesticide
b) Female insects may be attracted but not males application
c) An insect may only be attracted at a certain time b) They work to both control and to detect pests
of the night or of the year c) They generate data (numbers) that can be used to
d) All of the above identify pest trends
d) All of the above
67) Which lighting alternative will be less attractive to
pests? 73) What are the most common traps used for rodent
a) Mercury vapor lights rather than sodium vapor control?
lights a) Glue traps, snap traps, multiple-catch mouse traps
b) Sodium vapor lights rather than mercury vapor b) Glue traps, snap traps, live traps
lights c) Bait stations, glue traps, snap traps
c) High heat lights rather than cool lights d) ILTs, multiple catch traps, snap traps
d) High wattage versus low wattage
74) Which statement is TRUE about snap traps?
68) Which lighting scheme will attract the most insects to a) Install them every 5-10 feet in an infested room
a building? b) Place more traps in areas of high activity and fewer
a) Flood lights shining on white wall traps in other areas
b) Flood lights shining onto trees c) Do not use snap traps on pipes or beams
c) Lights that turn on two hours after sunset d) All of the above
d) Decoy lights around the property perimeter
75) How many traps should you use in a room with lots of
69) Which statement is TRUE regarding moisture and recent mouse droppings in 5 different areas?
pests? a) 1-5 traps
a) For green service, you need to explain to your b) At least 5 traps
customer the connection between moisture and c) 20 traps or more
pests d) Use baits not traps
b) Most pests need free water to survive and such
water acts as a pest attractant 76) Rats are “neophobic.” What does this mean?
c) Leaks and condensation can provide conducive a) Rats avoid light
conditions for moisture-loving pests b) Rats fear new objects
d) All of the above c) Rats investigate new objects
d) Rats aggregate together
70) What is the best way to identify moisture problems
that are not obvious during visual inspection? 77) Which statement is TRUE when trapping rats?
a) Checking high risk areas with a moisture meter a) Snap traps should be placed baited but unset for a
b) Checking high risk areas with thermal imaging few days or a week until the rats get used to them
equipment b) Set traps directly on rat runs or in front of rat holes
c) Reviewing maintenance records c) Place snap traps parallel to and against the wall
d) Interviewing maintenance workers d) All of the above
71) Which statement is TRUE regarding moisture control? 78) Which of the methods below is the best way to avoid
a) Chronically wet soil in crawlspaces should never trapping squirrels and birds when using snap traps
be covered with a moisture barrier outside to control roof rats?
b) Splash blocks should be in place and downspouts a) Set traps only from dusk to dawn
should extend beyond the perimeter b) Spray traps with animal repellent
c) Stagnant water in containers and equipment c) Place traps on the underside of tree branches or
should be checked weekly for mosquitoes ledges
d) All of the above d) Use only meat or fish for bait

Study Questions
79) Which statement is TRUE about trapping mice? 86) Which statement in TRUE regarding ILTs?
a) You can improve your trapping results by moving a) ILTs installed within five feet of the floor will capture
boxes, pallets, shelves, or other objects in their many more flies than ceiling-hung traps
territories b) ILTs installed within five feet of the floor will capture
b) A mouse trapping program can be very successful many more moths than ceiling-hung traps
quickly c) Make sure that the light can be seen from outside
c) Place snap traps perpendicular to the wall or d) A narrow hallway is a poor site for an ILT
object with the trigger next to the wall
d) All of the above 87) When should you replace the bulb in an ILT?
a) When the light is noticeably dimmer than before
80) Which statement is TRUE about multiple-catch traps? b) Every 6 months
a) Work equally well for mice and rats c) Every 12 months
b) Work because mice are curious d) Every 3 months
c) “Mousy-smelling” traps depress trap catch
d) Require a food bait to capture mice effectively 88) What is the maximum distance over which an ILT will
attract insects?
81) How should multiple-catch traps be placed? a) 25 feet for moths,100 feet for flies
a) Flush against walls and stored materials with the b) 50 feet for both flies and moths
opening parallel to the runway c) 100 feet for moths, 25 feet for flies
b) Flush against walls and stored materials with the d) 100 feet for both flies and moths
opening perpendicular to the runway
c) In well-lit corners and edges 89) Which statement is TRUE about fly traps?
d) All of the above a) An advantage to fly traps is that they can be placed
over food preparation surfaces
82) When servicing multiple-catch traps, what is your first b) Fly traps should be viewed as a supplement to
task? eliminating the source of the flies
a) Check that trap is secured to floor c) All fly traps require chemical attractants to be
b) Make sure there are no live mice inside that could effective
escape d) All of the above
c) Put mice and trap debris into a sealed trash bag
and dispose of the bag 90) Which statement is TRUE about yellowjacket traps?
d) Clean and disinfect the trap a) They can reduce yellowjacket activity in the fall
when yellowjackets are foraging around human
83) To improve the effectiveness of glue traps in dusty food, drinks, and garbage.
sites you should: b) For a serious fall yellowjacket problem around a
a) Replace them weekly large school and its grounds you might need to trap
b) Place them only under shelves and tables ten or twenty thousand yellowjackets
c) Place the traps inside rodent bait stations c) Sunny locations are the best trap sites.
d) Do not use sticky traps in dusty areas d) All of the above
84) How should rodent glue traps be placed? 91) When placing pheromone traps to suppress (not just
a) Lengthwise, parallel to the wall or other object monitor) an Indianmeal moth population in a food
that lines a runway warehouse, how should you first place the traps?
b) In corners whenever possible a) In a grid pattern, 20 to 60 feet apart
c) At least 3-feet apart when placed along runways b) In a grid pattern, 75 to 100 feet apart
d) All of the above c) Every 20 feet around the perimeter
d) Near doors, vents, and other sites with air flow
85) Which control tool is considered the best “first line of
defense” to kill flies and other flying pests when they 92) Which statement is TRUE about pheromone traps?
first enter commercial food accounts, hospitals, and a) Traps will catch more moths near the ceiling and
schools? more beetles near the ground.
a) Fly paper b) Use hanging traps only for flying insects.
b) Sticky traps c) Cockroach pheromone traps should be placed as
c) Pheromone traps you would cockroach sticky traps
d) ILTs (Insect Light Traps) d) All of the above

Study Questions
93) When live-trapping animals, you should: 100) Most pests can be also killed by freezing infested
a) Keep a trapped animal in an uncovered trap or material at what temperature and for how long?
cage a) 32°F for 24 hours
b) Follow local regulations regarding release or b) 32°F for 48 hours
euthanasia c) 0°F for 24 hours
c) Animals that are to be released should be d) 0°F for 48 hours
transported at least 1 mile away
d) All of the above 101) How can a mattress encasement be considered a green
control tool?
94) If a trapped animal appears sick, you should: a) It cannot
a) Release them immediately b) It traps bed bugs or dust mites inside so that they
b) Release them 5-7 miles away eventually die
c) Euthanize them immediately c) The insecticide incorporated in the encasement kills
d) Contact local animal control or the health pests
department d) It reduces moisture and moisture related pests
95) Which statement is TRUE regarding vacuuming and 102) Which pests can sometimes be controlled simply
green service? through moisture reduction?
a) Vacuuming is the quickest way to quickly knock a) American and German cockroaches
down populations of aggregating pests such as b) House flies and flesh flies
boxelder bugs, cluster flies, and clover mites c) Springtails and psocids
b) Vacuuming with a crevice tool can remove d) All of the above
pockets of cockroaches and bed bugs in heavy
infestations 4. PESTICIDES IN GREEN SERVICE
c) Vacuuming may be the only acceptable control
method in some situations such as ants or 103) Which statement is TRUE about pesticides in GreenPro
cockroaches living inside an oven service?
d) All of the above a) Pesticides are almost never used
b) Only organic or “green” pesticides are used
96) What risks may be associated with vacuuming pests? c) Only low toxicity pesticides are used
a) Vacuums can become infested d) Pesticides are applied according to need
b) Vacuums can spread pests
c) Vacuums can spread allergens 104) Which statement is TRUE about pesticides?
d) All of the above a) Protect health by controlling disease-causing pests
and stinging insects
97) Which temperature and duration of heat treatment b) People exposed to excessive levels of a pesticide
insures kill of all insects and all stages? may suffer short-term or long-term health effects
a) 130°F for 1 hour c) Children are especially susceptible to certain
b) 130°F for 3 hours pesticides
c) 113°F for 1 hour d) All of the above
d) 113°F for 3 hours
105) When used as part of green service, pesticides shall be
98) Which heat treatment will kill all stages of bed bugs? applied only:
a) 130°F for 1 hour a) In such a way as to minimize the risk to non-target
b) 118°F for 1 hour organisms and the environment
c) Thirty minutes in a clothes dryer set on high b) In cracks and crevices and voids, or outdoors
d) All of the above c) As baits or as crack and crevice treatments
d) All of the above
99) Which statement is TRUE about heat (thermal)
treatments?
a) There are no risks associated with typical heat
treatments
b) Whole room heat treatments can trigger fire
suppression systems
c) Heat treatment will usually not kill eggs
d) All of the above

Study Questions
106) What is an “action threshold”? 113) Which four variables should PMPs performing GreenPro
a) The point at which a customer agrees to correct a service always consider when choosing between similar
deficiency effective pesticide products?
b) The point at which a technician takes action to a) Acute effects, chronic effects, allergic effects, odor
control a pest b) Toxicity, potential environmental impact, potential
c) The point above which no more pesticides may be for exposure, sensitivity of site
applied c) Odor, staining potential, safety, efficacy
d) The point at which a supervisor must become d) Oral LD50, Dermal LD50, Inhalation LD50,
involved carcinogenicity
107) When a pesticide is necessary, it shall be applied: 114) What is the definition of an acute toxic effect from
a) With a precise application technique exposure to a chemical?
b) In the smallest area to be effective. a) An adverse effect that occurs immediately
c) Using the minimum quantity of pesticide b) An adverse effect that occurs within 12 hours of
necessary to achieve control exposure
d) All of the above c) An adverse effect that occurs within one day of
exposure
108) Which application of a pesticide is normally permitted d) An adverse effect that occurs within 14 days of
in green service? exposure
a) A directed treatment to a general area
b) A spot treatment to a wall 115) Which potential health impacts are considered to be
c) A general treatment to a room chronic effects from exposure to a chemical?
d) All of the above a) Cancer
b) Birth defects
109) An applicator, prior to and while applying a pesticide c) Endocrine disruption
outdoors, shall first evaluate: d) All of the above
a) Meteorological conditions
b) Irrigation and sprinkler systems 116) Which statement is TRUE about allergic effects?
c) Surrounding properties a) Allergic reactions usually occur during a person’s
d) All of the above first exposure to a substance
b) Allergic reactions can range from itchy, watery eyes
110) Which statement is TRUE regarding green pesticide to rashes, all the way to systemic effects such as
application? asthma or life-threatening anaphylactic shock.
a) No fogging in inhabited structures unless all other c) Allergy is of special concern to middle-aged men
control methods have been exhausted and women
b) No point-source application of IGRs d) All of the above
c) No perimeter treatments
d) All of the above 117) Which statement is TRUE about pesticide toxicity?
a) The toxicity of the end-use product is often much
111) Which statement is TRUE when using rodenticides? less than the packaged pesticide product
a) Bait stations are always required b) Two pesticide products with the same signal word
b) Baits can not be used in sewers always pose equal risks to people in the treated
c) Bait stations are unnecessary when baiting in area
secure or locked areas c) The toxicity of a chemical to a rodent (such as
d) Baits can not be placed in inaccessible voids Rat Oral LD50) typically bears little relation to it’s
toxicity to humans
112) When choosing a pesticide product for green service d) All of the above
you should:
a) Choose a product that is listed on the Quality Pro 118) Which person below will generally face the greatest risk
Green List of exposure to pesticides?
b) Choose only FIFRA 25(b) “exempt” products a) Applicator
c) Choose products whose end-use material poses b) Resident
the lowest risk c) Staff member
d) All of the above d) All face equal risks of exposure

Study Questions
119) Which statement below is TRUE about pesticide 126) Individual spot treatments cannot exceed what size?
exposure? a) 1 square foot
a) Risk of exposure is increased by entering b) 2 square feet
treatment areas directly after treatment c) 4 feet by 4 feet
b) Pesticide on rugs, furniture, and food prep d) 3 feet by 3 feet
surfaces increase the risk of exposure
c) Small children are most often exposed by 127) The total for spot treatment cannot constitute more
touching, licking, or eating pesticide residues than what percent of the surface?
d) All of the above a) No limit
b) 10%
120) Which statement below represents a likely impact c) 20%
from pesticide runoff? d) 50%
a) Contamination of ground water
b) Contamination of surface water 128) Which statement is TRUE about a perimeter barrier
c) Nontarget exposure treatment?
d) All of the above a) A perimeter barrier treatment is the application of
pesticides to thresholds and other entrances, the
121) Which present the most likely risk of contamination of foundation, and the soil adjacent to the foundation
a neighbor’s property after an outdoor application of a b) A barrier treatment is limited to residual sprays
pesticide? c) Barrier treatments can be targeted to any outdoor
a) Runoff pest
b) Direct misapplication d) All of the above
c) Spill
d) Drift 129) Which statement is TRUE about insect baits indoors?
a) Baits are specific to certain pests
122) The potential for exposure during or after treatment b) Baits have relatively low toxicity and hazard to
varies with what two factors? people.
a) Product and application method c) Baits do not easily vaporize to produce airborne
b) Hazard and exposure residues
c) Toxicity and hazard d) All of the above
d) Product and toxicity
130) What is one of the benefits of an injectable bait?
123) Risks to human health or the environment are a) Cost
primarily driven by which factors? b) Can be placed inside cracks and voids
a) Toxicity c) High vapor pressure
b) Exposure and toxicity d) Effective against a wide range of pests
c) Application method
d) Product and toxicity 131) Which statement is TRUE about “sensitive sites”?
a) They require special consideration and a greater
124) How can a PMP using Green Service reduce the risk margin of safety
from pesticide application? b) Choose only products and application methods
a) Choose application methods that reduce the risk having the very lowest risk potential
of exposure to people, pets, and other nontargets c) Sites can be sensitive for either health or
b) Apply the pesticide to inaccessible and hidden or environmental reasons
protected areas whenever possible. d) All of the above
c) Apply pesticide products as needed rather than on
a schedule 132) EPA’s pesticide registration process ensures that:
d) All of the above a) The product will cause no harm to people or
environment
125) Which statement properly lists treatment methods in b) When used according to the label, the product will
order of increasing potential exposure (least to most)? not harm to people or environment
a) Crack and crevice, spot, general c) When used according to the label, there is a
b) General, crack and crevice, spot reasonable certainty of no harm to human health or
c) Crack and crevice, general, spot the environment
d) Spot, general, crack and crevice d) When used according to the label, the product will
kill the listed pests effectively

Study Questions
133) Where can you find detail on how to handle and use a 140) The vast majority of pesticides used in Green Service
pesticide product? carry which signal word?
a) Pesticide label a) Caution
b) SDS b) Nontoxic
c) Either label or SDS c) Warning
d) Some details from label, other details from SDS d) Danger
134) The SDS is a guide to the ____________ of a 141) What is the minimum frequency for reading/ studying
pesticide. the pesticide label?
a) Use a) Before every use
b) Application b) In the morning of the day you plan on using the
c) Hazards product
d) All of the above c) When you are trained on the product
d) In weekly training meetings
135) What document provides a customer with technical
information related to the end use product (for 142) What key words are associated with “mandatory
example, the applied residue from the insecticide statements” on a pesticide label?
spray applied)? a) Should, may, recommended
a) Consumer information sheet b) Shall, will, use only
b) SDS c) Shall, should, try
c) Label d) All of the above
d) Manufacturer advertising
143) If a statement on a pesticide label says “the applicator
136) What are three common “signal words”? should apply into infested equipment, it means:
a) Toxic, nontoxic, highly toxic a) You must apply the product into infested equipment
b) Organic, green, caution b) You can treat infested equipment or not at your
c) Danger, warning, caution discretion
d) Warning, caution, nontoxic c) You can only treat equipment if it is infested
d) You must use another product if the equipment is
137) If a product is labeled DANGER but not POISON what not infested
is the hazard?
a) Skin or eye irritation 144) What is the definition of rodenticide translocation?
b) Inhalation hazard a) Rodenticide absorbed into the body of the rodent
c) Acute oral risk b) Secondary poisoning
d) All of the above c) Rodents moving rodenticide to a new area
d) Rodenticide evaporation or sublimation
138) If a concentrate labeled DANGER/POISON was
swallowed, how much would it take to kill the average 145) Which is the best rodenticide formulation for use in bait
person? stations?
a) A taste to a teaspoon a) Blocks
b) 1-3 teaspoons b) Pellets
c) 2 tablespoons c) Meal
d) 3-5 ounces d) Liquid
139) Which statement is TRUE regarding a product labeled 146) Which is the best rodenticide formulation for burrow
CAUTION? baiting?
a) It may cause acute illness from oral, dermal, a) Blocks
or inhalation exposure, or it is likely to cause b) Pellets
moderate skin or eye irritation c) Meal
b) The fatal oral dose for the concentrate is estimated d) Liquid
to be between one and three teaspoonfuls
c) The fatal oral dose for the concentrate is estimated
to be between a taste and a teaspoonful
d) It is slightly toxic or relatively nontoxic and has
only slight potential to cause illness or skin or eye
irritation

Study Questions
147) How may a pesticide contaminate ground water? 151) Which precaution will help reduce the risk of drift?
a) Rain carries dissolved pesticide down through the a) Do not spray when it is windy
soil b) Use the highest application pressure practicable
b) Pesticide is back-siphoned from pesticide tanks c) Choose a nozzle that produces a fine spray
c) Termiticides enter wells during termite treatment d) All of the above
d) All of the above
152) Which statement is TRUE about drift?
148) Which material must be disposed of according to a) Drift is most likely on windy days
special pesticide regulations/instructions? b) Drift can occur inside as well as outside
a) Empty pesticide containers c) Drift can occur days after application
b) Rinsewater from cleaning pesticide equipment d) All of the above
c) Unused pesticides
d) All of the above 153) Sending letters home to parents at a school about a
future pesticide treatment is called what?
149) You have just cleaned out your sprayer with clean a) Notification
water. What do you do with the rinse water? b) Posting
a) There is no restriction on rinsewater, just dump it c) Reporting
in a sewer or storm drain d) Representation
b) Pour it in an used field where it can evaporate
c) Use it instead of fresh water in your sprayer when 154) What is the name of the process of putting up notices
treating a similar site that pesticides are going to be applied or have been
d) None of the above applied?
a) Notification
150) What is the critical wind speed above which drift into b) Posting
nontarget areas is likely? c) Reporting
a) 5 mph d) Representation
b) 10 mph
c) 20 mph
d) 25 mph

Study Answers
1. CUSTOMER EDUCATION AND 6) Answer d) is correct. Customer education and

COMMUNICATION communications are critical jobs for a PMP who is
providing green service because a) green service
1) Answer c) is correct. We are adopting tools and may be quite different from the pest control service
methods in green pest management service that that most customers have been used to, b) green
reduce potential environmental impacts while still service requires a higher level of customer cooperation
controlling pests. Answer a) is incorrect because through improving sanitation, pest proofing, making
simply using green colors without adopting tactics operational changes, etc., and c) some customers
that reduce the impacts of pest management can will have an incorrect view of the tools and tactics
be termed “greenwashing”: misleading consumers used in green pest management.
regarding the environmental benefits of a product
or service. Answer b) is incorrect because pesticides 7) Answer c) is correct. Correcting structural problems
are permitted in green service as long as their that allow pest entry into the building or movement
negative impacts are minimized. Answer d) is within the building (pest-proofing) is usually the customer’s
incorrect because green service is not limited to responsibility. Answer a) is incorrect, as a rule,
lawn care or ornamental pest management, although it is a technician’s responsibility to identify
which can be anything but green if done without such structural problems. Answer b) is incorrect,
concern for the environment. although the supervisor may be active in explaining
to a customer why a particular structural problem
2) Answer b) is correct. The term “environment” when requires correction.
used in green pest management service means not
only the outdoor environment around buildings, 8) Answer a) is correct. Answer b) is incorrect because it
but the human environment inside buildings as is you that must comprehend the label not the customer.
well. Answer a) is incorrect because environment Answer c) is incorrect because it is you that must be familiar
is not limited to outdoor areas. Answer c) is incorrect with crack and crevice application, although there may
because it is far too restrictive. occasionally be times when you need to explain your
application methods more fully. Answer d) is incorrect
3) Answer a) is correct. Monitoring for pests and because you are not providing recycling service.
conditions contributing to pests is of critical importance
in green service. Answer b) is incorrect because it is 9) Answer c) is correct. Green service communications
reversed: far more time will be spent actually inspecting include both verbal and written reports about
a facility rather than in killing pests. Answer c) is incorrect conditions at the site. Answer a) is incorrect, although
because technicians are decision-makers; they talking with people is one part of green service
determine what to do and how to do it. communications. Answer b) is incorrect, although
writing reports is one part of green service
4) Answer c) is correct. Green service does NOT communications. Answer d) is incorrect, although
require that you never use a pesticide, but a pesticide a service record is one part of green service
is usually not your first choice when looking for a way communications.
to manage a pest.
5) Answer a) is correct. Integrated pest management

(IPM) is the cornerstone of green service. Answer b) is
incorrect, although toxicity is one of the characteristics
to consider when choosing a pesticide. Answer c) is
incorrect, although nonchemical pest management is
an important component of IPM. Answer d) is incorrect,
although customer education is an important component
of IPM.

Study Answers
10) Answer a) is correct. A critically important function 16) Answer c) is correct. Many pests tend to follow
of green recordkeeping is to gather information to straight lines so it is efficient to look for pests,
be used on a regular basis to evaluate the success droppings, and other signs along these lines. Answer
or failure of the green service. Answer b) is incorrect, a) is incorrect because, although most pests prefer
although surveying residents or staff can help warmth, the sites listed are no more likely to be
you determine whether or not your green service warm than any other sites. Answer b) is incorrect
has been successful. Answer c) is incorrect, although because, although many pests prefer dark areas to
speaking with your on-site contact can help you determine light areas, the sites listed are no more likely to be
whether or not your green service has been dark than any other sites.
successful. Answer d) is incorrect, although reviewing
your green service with your supervisor can help 17) Answer d) is correct. Rodent droppings are commonly
you determine whether or not your green service has found a) inside drop ceilings, b) on counters,
been successful. stoves, food prep surfaces, and c) In the base of
stoves and refrigerators.
11) Answer d) is correct. Before each service, you
should a) review the records to see if there are any 18) Answer a) is correct. A “conducive” condition is
pest trends you should address, b) if there have been one that might lead to pest problems. Answer b)
recommendations that have not been followed, and is incorrect because screens on windows are a
c) if the actions that you have taken have proved tool/tactic to correct a conducive condition.
effective, etc. Answer c) is incorrect because caulking/sealants
around pipes and entry points are a tool/tactic to
2. PEST PREVENTION correct a conducive condition.
12) Answer a) is correct. Replacing cockroach bait is 19) Answer d) is correct. There are many effective pest
part of your service, not of monitoring, and cockroach monitoring tools including a) sticky traps, b) tracking
bait is not a monitoring tool (although in a patches, and c) insect light traps (ILT).
certain sense you could use bait consumption as
one way to determine if cockroaches were present). 20) Answer c) is correct. Nontoxic rodent blocks are
Monitoring includes many things, including b) excellent tools for monitoring for rodents and even for
identifying pests and their locations, c) identifying other pests. Answer a) is incorrect because peanut
conducive conditions, and d) assessing customer butter should not be used in food accounts because
satisfaction with service of the risk of peanut allergy from contamination of
other foods with small amounts of peanut residue.
13) Answer d) is correct. Proper identification of pests Answer b) is incorrect because tracking powder
is essential because a) different pests have different contains a rodenticide (it is not the same as a
habits and food requirements, and because b) what tracking patch) and should not be used as a
works to manage one pest may not work against another monitoring tool in a food account.
similar pest; for example, c) one pest may be
attracted to a trap while another similar pest is not. 21) Answer a) is correct. A pheromone trap uses a
chemical attractant (a pheromone) to draw certain
14) Answer a) is correct. Within a room not all sites are species of pests into the trap. Answer b) is incorrect
equally likely to be infested by pests so you should because a tracking patch is typically talc or other
spend more time and effort in high risk sites. Answer nontoxic dust that does not attract pests but is
b) is incorrect because you should emphasize highrisk simply placed in a likely path of pests. Answer c) is
areas in your inspection. Answer c) is incorrect incorrect because and insect light trap (ILT) uses ultraviolet
because you should look for evidence of pests (frass, light, not chemicals, to attract flying pests.
etc.) not just the pests themselves. Answer d) is incorrect
because while some pests are found at floor 22) Answer a) is correct. By placing traps in various
level others are found in higher zones, some even locations, a technician can locate focus areas (sites of
inside drop ceilings. high pest populations) or pest entry points. Answer b)
is incorrect because sticky traps work poorly against
15) Answer a) is correct. Equipment voids and structural certain pests (for example, bed bugs and wasps).
voids are more likely to be infested than most areas. Answer c) is incorrect because empty sticky traps are
Answer b) is incorrect because pests are typically not a guarantee that the area is pest-free— the traps
repelled by bright, well-lighted areas. Answer c) is could be in the wrong place, or the infestation could
incorrect because the center of a shelf or work area be in an unusual place.
is typically too exposed for most pests.
Study Answers
23) Answer d) is correct. Monitoring tools a) work 24

hours per day, seven days a week, b) they pinpoint 28) Answer b) is correct. Cockroaches are often found
precise areas of activity for nighttime pests, and c) on back corners of food shelves because it is dark,
they help assess the size of the infestation and its protected, and with food nearby. Answer a) is
level of development incorrect because the middle of a cabinet door is
not a common cockroach site—there are no edges
24) Answer d) is correct. A bunch of cockroaches on one or corners. Answer c) is incorrect because a stove
side of the trap tells you they are likely coming from top is an open area with the potential for fire or glue
that direction. Answer a) is incorrect because a large, melt when the burners are on. Answer d) is incorrect
long-standing population is usually indicated by all because you should place traps close to spotting
stages of cockroaches being trapped. Answer b) is whenever possible.
incorrect because a new infestation from a nearby site
is usually indicated by a trap with only adults or large 29) Answer d) is correct. You should a) replace traps that
nymphs. Answer c) is incorrect because a pocket of have already captured a pest, b) record the capture
infestation within a few feet is usually indicated by information, and c) consider placing additional traps
mostly small nymphs. to identify the focus of the infestation.
25) Answer a) is correct. A large, long-standing 30) Answer c) is correct. Three months is probably a
population is usually indicated by all stages of maximum effective life for a sticky trap. Answers a)
cockroaches being trapped. Answer b) is incorrect and b) are incorrect because traps will typically last
because a new infestation from a nearby site is significantly longer than a month except in dusty or
usually indicated by a trap with only adults or large wet conditions. Answer d) is incorrect because the
nymphs. Answer c) is incorrect because a pocket of glue on the traps will rarely remain effective for as
infestation within a few feet is usually indicated by long as a year.
mostly small nymphs. Answer d) is incorrect because
cockroaches coming from only one direction is 31) Answer a) is correct. Some pheromone traps contain
usually indicated by a bunch of cockroaches on sex attractant pheromones that draw only the male
one side of the trap. insect. Answer b) is incorrect because at this time
there are no traps that use pheromones that attract
26) Answer b) is correct. A trap with only adults and only female insects. Answers c) and d) are incorrect
large nymphs indicates new infestation from a because aggregation pheromones attract both sexes.
nearby site. Answer a) is incorrect because a large,
long-standing population is usually indicated by all 32) Answer b) is correct. There are pheromone traps
stages of cockroaches being trapped. Answer c) is to locate infestations of fabric pests such as clothes
incorrect because a pocket of infestation within a moths and carpet beetles. Answer a) is incorrect
few feet is usually indicated by mostly small nymphs. because there are no pheromone traps available
Answer d) is incorrect because a bunch of cockroaches for ants. Answer c) is incorrect because there are
on one side of the trap usually indicates no pheromone traps available for roof rats.
that cockroaches are coming from that direction.
33) Answer b) is correct. As a general rule, never let
27) Answer c) is correct. A trap with mostly small nymphs a pheromone trap go unchecked for longer than a
typically indicates a pocket of infestation within a month. Answer a) is incorrect because 1 week is
few feet. Answer a) is incorrect because a large, impractical as a minimum sampling frequency in
long-standing population is usually indicated by all many cases. Answers c) and d) are incorrect
stages of cockroaches being trapped. Answer b) is because the time frame is far too long given the
incorrect because a new infestation from a nearby effectiveness of pheromone traps as a monitoring tool.
site is usually indicated by a trap with only adults
or large nymphs. Answer d) is incorrect because 34) Answer a) is correct. Pheromone traps will catch
a bunch of cockroaches on one side of the trap more moths near the ceiling and more beetles near
usually indicates that cockroaches are coming the ground. Answer b) is incorrect because the pests
from that direction. are reversed—it should be moths near the ceiling,
beetles near the ground. Answer c) is incorrect
because pheromone traps near the doors, windows,
vents, or loading docks would tend to draw pest in
from outdoors.

Study Answers
35) Answer d) is correct. Rodent monitoring blocks look 41) Answer c) is correct. Pest exclusion is most effective
like rodenticide bait blocks but are nontoxic and a) against rodents, bats, flying insects, and the larger
they let you confirm rodent activity before toxic bait crawling arthropods such as large cockroaches,
application, b) they can overcome a rat’s hesitancy millipedes, and crickets. Answers a) and b) are
to enter a bait station, and c) they protect nontarget incorrect because pest exclusion is less effective
wildlife in a baiting area because they permit you against smaller pests which require smaller openings
to identify the species feeding (through gnaw marks to move through. Answer d) is incorrect because pest
and droppings) before you place a toxic bait. proofing is effective against a wide range of pests.
36) Answer a) is correct. Tracks in a tracking patch can 42) Answer b) is correct. In general, openings larger
identify the species and the direction of movement. than 1/4 inch will allow mice to squeeze through.
Answer b) is incorrect because a flashlight shined Answer a) is incorrect because it is too small for a
across the patch at a low angle gives the best minimum. Answers c) and d) are incorrect because
view of the tracks. Answer c) is incorrect because mice can squeeze through smaller openings.
a tracking patch should not be used where there is
a risk of contamination of food, even though the 43) Answer a) is correct. Foam sealants are usually not
patch material is nontoxic. appropriate for rodents because they can easily
chew through them. Answer b) is incorrect because,
37) Answer d) is correct. The three goals to pest-proofing while ineffective against rodents, foam sealants can
are exclusion, or keeping pests from entering a be effective against other pests. Answer c) is incorrect
building, isolation, or keeping pests from moving because foam sealants are only one of many
from room to room within a building, and harborage exclusion tools. Answer d) is incorrect because
elimination, or eliminating pest hiding places foam sealants are inexpensive.
and breeding areas. Answer a) is incorrect because
monitoring and control are not part of pest-proofing. 44) Answer d) is correct. Door sealers not only a) keep
Answer b) is incorrect because caulking and sealing out pests, but they b) reduce heating and air
are tools used for pest-proofing and control is the conditioning costs, and c) result in less sound
ultimate goal. Answer c) is incorrect because control and light infiltration.
is the ultimate goal, monitoring is not pest-proofing,
and physical alteration can be a toll for pest-proofing 45) Answer a) is correct. Doors that must be kept open,
not a goal. such as loading dock doors, or that are constantly
used, can be protected by air curtains (air doors).
38) Answer b) is correct. Old buildings have many Answer b) is incorrect because loading dock doors
opportunities for pest-proofing, and its use in such can’t always be closed (unless protected with a
buildings can often have remarkable success. bellows system). Answer c) is incorrect because
Answer a) is incorrect because new building are pheromone traps placed at loading docks will
usually far more tightly sealed. Answers c) and d) only attract insects from outside.
are incorrect because, in general, there is no
difference in their need for pest proofing based 46) Answer c) is correct. You can install porcupine wire,
on the construction type. pin and wire, or similar commercial products to keep
birds from roosting on window ledges and other
39) Answer a) is correct. Caulking, stuffing, or sealing building surfaces. Answer a) is incorrect because
openings around pipes and conduits where they air curtains are generally used to prevent insects
enter the building is an effective pest proofing tactic. from entering through doors. Answer b) is incorrect
Answer b) is incorrect because applying gel bait because an avicide is a control tool not a pestproofing
does not prevent pest entry. Answer c) is incorrect tool and, besides, a pesticide, such as
because steaming does not prevent pest entry. an avicide, should be a last resort in green service.
Answer d) is incorrect because screens will keep
40) Answer d) is correct. Physical alterations a) provide a birds from entering the building but not stop them
permanent solution, b) can improve heat or cool air from roosting on a ledge.
retention, and c) can compliment building maintenance
programs.

Study Answers
47) Answer a) is correct. Caulk, stuff, or seal openings 53) Answer d) is correct. There need to be sanitation
around pipes and conduits where they enter the and inspection aisles in food processing and
building using appropriate sealants. Answer b) is storage areas that are unobstructed and 18-24
incorrect because foam sealants are usually not inches wide. Answers a), b), and c) are incorrect
appropriate for rodents because they can easily because the aisles would be too narrow for
chew through them. Answer c) is incorrect because adequate access.
copper mesh, which is conductive, is probably
not the best choice to use around electrical utilities. 54) Answer c) is correct. Stored packaged foods should
Answer d) is incorrect because tracking powder be stacked on industrial grade, steel wire shelves
is a control tool, not a pest-proofing tool. that allow spilled foods to fall to the floor and make
clean-up easier. Answer a) is incorrect because it
48) Answer d) is correct. Installing caulk, mesh, and is the policy of FIFO or “first in, first out” (not FILO)
other sealants around pipes, utility lines, and other that ensures that foods do not remain in storage for
entries into the voids between rooms can isolate too long. Answer b) is incorrect because customers
infestations in one area. Answers a), b), and c) should be advised not to store old cardboard boxes
are incorrect because they prevent pests from or paper bags but to recycle or dispose of them
entering the building but does not isolate them in quickly.
areas |within the building (“pest isolation”).
55) Answer c) is correct. The inside of the trash can
49) Answer a) is correct. It is the customer’s responsibility underneath the plastic liner should not be allowed
to upgrade housekeeping services. Answers b), c) to accumulate spilled trash and should be inspected
and d) are incorrect because it IS a technician’s and cleaned regularly. Answer a) is incorrect
responsibility to reporting clutter in a storage because all garbage cans should include plastic
area, provide recommendations to remove grease bag liners. Answer b) is incorrect because the
around cooking surfaces, and document whether or bags should be taken out regularly to be stored
not a customer has corrected a sanitation problem in closed containers outside until trash pickup.
50) Answer b) is correct. Food preparation surfaces 56) Answer d) is correct because a) flies inside a
should be cleaned promptly after use, and should building are often traced to flies attracted to and
never be allowed to remain dirty overnight. Answer breeding around dumpsters outside, b) dumpsters
a) is incorrect because food preparation surfaces should be located 50 feet or more from outside
should never be allowed to remain dirty overnight. doors; 75 feet if at a food facility, and c) dumpsters
Answer c) is incorrect because floors must be should be situated on a thick concrete pad that has
cleaned daily, preferably in the evening. foundation toes on the outside to keep rodents from
burrowing under the pad.
51) Answer b) is correct. Mop buckets should be
emptied after use and wet mops and rags cleaned 57) Answer b) is correct because the statement is FALSE.
and hung to dry in order to prevent fruit flies from Dumpsters should be checked by staff twice daily
breeding in the residue. Answer a) is incorrect (not weekly) and any trash picked up that didn’t
because, while clean and rinsed mops may reduce end up inside the dumpster. The other statements
odor problems in some circumstances and to some are TRUE: a) drain holes should never be left open
small degree, that issue is secondary to the fruit fly (except during cleaning), c) customers should limit
issue. Answer c) is incorrect because house flies the use of shrubbery around dumpster enclosures,
do not breed in sour mops. Answer d) is incorrect and d) staff should police the area immediately
because mice are not associated with mops after the dumpster has been emptied.
and buckets.
52) Answer d) is correct. Catch trays in insect light

traps should be emptied regularly to a) prevent
dermestids and similar pests, b) so the trays do
not overflow or the glue trap get overloaded, and
c) to track insect problems by identifying new pests
and pest trends.

Study Answers
58) Answer b) is correct. Wineglass shaped plants are 63) Answer b) is correct. A heavy layer of organic mulch
open at the base and tend to be well-lit and provide that is right up against the building can enable
no hiding places for rodents. Answer a) is incorrect subterranean termites to travel through the protective
because customers should try and avoid moundshaped, mulch above ground and enter the building through
ground-hugging shrubs that provide rodent foundation cracks, conduits, or weep holes in brick.
cover. Answer c) is incorrect because low-growing Answer a) is incorrect because organic mulch near
ground covers such as juniper hide burrows and a building can be the source of many different pest
provide ideal rodent hiding places and runways. problems. Answer c) is incorrect because organic
Answer d) is incorrect because espaliered bushes mulches are made of plant material that gradually
or other plants against walls should be avoided decomposes, they attract millipedes, sowbugs or
because ants, rodents, and other pests use them to pillbugs, cockroaches, slugs, earwigs, and crickets
find entry into buildings. and other pests that feed on decaying material.
Answer d) is incorrect because organic mulch
59) Answer d) is correct. Thorny shrubs should be usually increases moisture around the foundation.
avoided as they a) provide protected hiding places
for rodents, b) are difficult to inspect and c) prone to 64) Answer b) is correct. Food facilities should have a
capturing wind-blown trash. 2-3 foot wide inspection strip around the perimeter
of the structure. Answer a) is incorrect because while
60) Answer a) is correct. Ants, rodents, and certain other most buildings can get by with a bare strip 6-12
pests can used tree branches to gain access to a inches wide at the foundation, food facilities need
building if the branches are touching the building or a wider strip. Answer c) is incorrect because such
its roof. Answer b) is incorrect because while shade a mulch band favors pests. Answer d) is incorrect
may help attract certain pests it is not the main pest because a ground cover at the foundation favors
management issue. Answer c) is incorrect because rodents and other pests.
while leaf accumulation may attract certain moisture
loving pests it is not the main pest management 65) Answer d) is correct. Outdoor lights attract insects
issue. Answer d) is incorrect because root intrusion of many types, both flying and crawling and a) even
only rare pest management impact. a small light can be seen for miles, b) bright security
lights often become beacons that attract insects in
61) Answer a) is correct. Blooming plants should not be large numbers, and c) insects attracted to lights at
located near the building in order to minimize bee the building perimeter often find their way inside.
and wasp activity. Answer b) is incorrect because
the presence of blooming plants plays no role in the 66) Answer c) is correct. There is a lot of variability: An
presence of rodents. Answer c) is incorrect because insect may be attracted to a particular wavelength of
blooming plants do not compete with baits. Answer light, but may only be attracted at a certain time
d) is incorrect because the presence or absence of of the night or at a certain time of the year or at a
blooming plants has no effect on pest birds. certain temperature. Answer a) is incorrect because
a 200 watt bulb will attract more insects from a
62) Answer d) is correct because a) you should make longer distance than a 100 watt bulb. Answer b)
sure that there are no weedy areas that are being is incorrect because both male and female insects
ignored by your customer (rodent breeding sites), are typically attracted to lights.
b) weeds along fence lines or around abandoned
equipment or debris are particularly attractive to 67) Answer b) is correct. Sodium vapor lamps have
rodents, and c) string trimmers should be used to low UV output and are less attractive to insects
mechanically manage weeds on a regular basis than mercury vapor lamps and fluorescent lamps.
to minimize potential rodent breeding areas. Answer a) is incorrect. Mercury vapor lights are
highly attractive to insects because of their high
UV output. Answer c) is incorrect because high
heat bulbs are usually more attractive than low
heat lights. Answer d) is incorrect because the
higher the wattage the more attractive to insects,
all other things being equal.

Study Answers
68) Answer a) is correct. Flood lights shining on a white 73) Answer a) is correct. The most common traps used to
wall will attract large numbers of insects over a great catch mice and rats are glue traps, snap traps, and
distance. Answer b) is incorrect because shining multiple-catch mouse traps (repeating mouse traps).
lights away from a building is a good way to reduce Answer b) is incorrect because while live traps can
pest problems associated with lights. Answer c) is be used to capture rodents, they are typically only
incorrect because lights that turn on two hours after so used in special and rare situations. Answer c)
sunset will reduce pest problems associated with is incorrect because bait stations are not traps
lights by avoiding midges and other insects that fly (although traps can be placed inside them). Answer
only at dusk. Answer d) is incorrect because decoy d) is incorrect because ILTs are insect light traps.
lights draw insects away from the building.
74) Answer b) is correct. Concentrate snap traps in
69) Answer d) is correct. For green service, a) you need areas where you see or suspect rodent activity and
to explain to your customer the connection between place more traps in areas of high activity and fewer
moisture and pests, b) most pests need free water to traps in other areas. Answer a) is incorrect because
survive and such water acts as a pest attractant, and trapping is far more effective if you concentrate traps
c) leaks and condensation can provide conducive in rodent activity areas. Answer c) is incorrect because
conditions for moisture-loving pests. traps can be very effective when placed on pipes or
beams which are often used as rodent runs.
70) Answer a) is correct. A moisture meter can identify
areas of high moisture that are not obvious during a 75) Answer c) is correct. Mouse droppings in five
visual inspection of wood, drywall, roofing, plaster, different areas suggest either a large population
and brick. Answer b) is incorrect because thermal or multiple populations and in either case a large
imaging equipment identifies warm or cold areas. number of traps are needed to be effective. Answers
Answer c) is incorrect because while maintenance a) and b) are incorrect because 5 traps or less are
records may help you identify areas where leaks too few to be effective. Answer d) is incorrect
and other moisture issues have occurred, you will because traps are almost always preferred for
still need to confirm actual moisture problem areas mouse control in green service.
with the meter. Answer d) is incorrect because
while maintenance workers can advise you of past 76) Answer b) is correct. Neophobic means fearing
problems or suspicions of current moisture problems, (phobic) new (neo) objects. Answer a) is incorrect
you will still need to confirm actual moisture problem because neophobic has nothing to do with light.
areas with the meter. Answer c) is incorrect and it is mice, not rats, that
investigate new objects. Answer d) is incorrect
71) Answer b) is correct. Splash blocks should be in because the term neophobic has nothing to do
place and downspouts should extend beyond the with aggregation.
perimeter of the foundation. Answer a) is incorrect
because there should not be standing water in a 77) Answer a) is correct. Because rats are neophobic
crawlspace and soil in the crawl should be partially (fear new objects), snap traps should be placed
covered with a moisture barrier in areas with high baited but unset for a few days or a week until the
soil moisture. Answer c) is incorrect because stagnant rats get used to them. Answer b) is incorrect because
water should be emptied and the condition causing for rats you should not set traps directly on rat runs or
it corrected. in front of rat holes, offset them six inches to prevent
rats from being spooked by a new object on their
3. PHYSICAL PEST MANAGEMENT normal travel route. Answer c) is incorrect because
for rats, you should place snap traps perpendicular
72) Answer d) is correct. Traps are especially suited for to the wall or object with the trigger 4-6 inches
green service because, among other things, a) they away from the wall.
are a nontoxic substitute for pesticide application,
b) they work to both control and to detect pests, 78) Answer a) is correct. Outdoor traps should be set only
and c) they generate data (numbers) that can be from dusk to dawn to avoid trapping nontarget animals
used to identify pest trends. like birds and squirrels. Answer b) is incorrect because
animal repellent will also repel rodents. Answer c) is
incorrect because if you place traps under branches
they will not trap roof rats. Answer d) is incorrect
because meat or fish will also attract some birds
(crows for example) and sometimes squirrels.

Study Answers
79) Answer d) is correct because a) mice will investigate 85) Answer d) is correct. In commercial food accounts,
such changes in their territory so moving things will hospitals, and schools, ILTs can be a “first line of
improve trapping success, b) because of this curiosity defense” control tool since ILTs kill flies and other
a mouse trapping program can be very successful flying pests that have entered the building from
very early, and c) for mice, as opposed to rats, outside or that have emerged from infested materials.
you should place snap traps perpendicular to the Answer a) is incorrect because fly paper, while
wall or object with the trigger next to the wall. a tool useful against flying insects, is not an effective
early defensive measure since it is quite limited in
80) Answer b) is correct. Multiple-catch traps (also called effective range. Answer b) is incorrect because
“curiosity traps”) work because mice are curious and standard sticky traps are not used against flies.
will investigate new things in their territories. Answer Answer c) is incorrect because pheromone traps
a) is incorrect because multiple-catch traps are for are not available for flies other than the fruit fly.
mice not for rats. Answer c) is incorrect because
mouse smell on a trap often make it more effective. 86) Answer a) is correct. ILTs installed within five feet
Answer d) is incorrect because mice will usually of the floor will capture many more flies than ceilinghung
enter the trap with or without a food attractant. traps. Answer b) is incorrect because moths
tend to fly high and flies low. Answer c) is incorrect
81) Answer a) is correct. Place them flush against because a light that can be seen from outside will
walls with the opening parallel to the runway. attract insects into the facility. Answer d) is incorrect
Answer b) is incorrect because if the opening is because a narrow hallway is one of the best sites
placed perpendicular to the wall the trap should be for a trap.
about 1.5 inches away from the wall. Answer c) is
incorrect because traps should be placed in dark 87) Answer c) is correct. The effective life of the average
areas when possible. ILT bulb is about 12 months. Answer a) is incorrect because
you can’t tell by looking at a glowing UV bulb whether it’s
82) Answer b) is correct. When servicing multi-catch working at full strength. Answers b) and d) are incorrect
traps, first make sure there are no live mice inside because the bulb remains effective at 3 and 6 months.
that could escape. Answer a) is incorrect because
multi-catch traps do not have to be secured to the 88) Answer c) is correct. Most flying insects, such as
floor. Answer c) is incorrect because it is not your moths, won’t respond to lights more than 100 feet
first task. Answer d) is incorrect because, when away, and flies rarely respond if the light is more
disinfection is required, it is a later task not a than 25 feet away. Answer a) is incorrect because
first task. the pests are reversed (see above). Answers b)
and d) are incorrect because there are significant
83) Answer c) is correct. In dusty, greasy, or damp difference between the response distance of moths
areas, place glue traps inside rodent bait stations. and flies (see above).
Answers a) and b) are incorrect because, while
these tactics can help with trap effectiveness in 89) Answer b) is correct. Fly trapping should be viewed
dusty areas, placing the sticky traps in a bait as a supplement to finding and eliminating the
station is a better and more effective solution. source of the flies or to preventing them from
Answer d) is incorrect because not using sticky entering the building. Answer a) is incorrect
traps in no way “improves their effectiveness.” because you should never place fly traps over
food preparation surfaces because fly parts may
84) Answer a) is correct. Place glue traps lengthwise, fall down and contaminate the surface. Answer c)
parallel to the wall or other object that lines a is incorrect because some traps use chemical
runway. Answer b) is incorrect because mice slow attractants but many do not.
down to explore corners and their whiskers may
touch the glue warning them away. Answer c) is 90) Answer d) is correct. Yellowjacket traps a) have
incorrect because setting two or three glue traps been used successfully to reduce yellowjacket activity
side by side, about an inch apart, will increase in the fall when yellowjackets are foraging around
their effectiveness since a rodent leaping over one human food, drinks, and garbage, b) for a serious
will be caught in the second or third (this also works fall yellowjacket problem around a large school and
for snap traps). its grounds, or a recreation/picnic area you might
need to trap ten or twenty thousand yellowjackets
to significantly reduce the activity, and c) sunny
locations are the best trapping sites.

Study Answers
91) Answer a) is correct. When used to suppress a 97) Answer b) is correct. Holding a specimen at a
pest population in a commercial food account, temperature of 130° F. for three hours will
pheromone traps should be placed in a grid pattern, kill any insect. Answer a) is incorrect because the
20 to 60 feet apart. Answer b) is incorrect because time is too short to ensure kill. Answers c) and d)
the density of traps will be too low for effective are incorrect because the temperature is too low
suppression. Answer c) is incorrect because to ensure kill of all stages and species.
perimeter pheromone trapping is not effective for
suppression. Answer d) is incorrect because you 98) Answer d) is correct. Bed bugs are more susceptible
should place traps to avoid air currents. to heat than most insect species and so all stages of
bed bugs will die if exposed to a) 130° F for 1 hour, b) 113°
92) Answer d) is correct because a) pheromone traps F for 1 hour, or c) twenty minutes in a clothes dryer set on
will catch more moths near the ceiling (where they high.
fly) and more beetles near the ground, b) you
should use hanging traps only for flying insects 99) Answer b) is correct. Sprinklers and other fire
because crawling insects have no way to enter suppression systems have to be modified to
them!), and c) cockroach pheromone traps should prevent them from going off during heat
be placed as you would cockroach sticky traps. treatment of a room or building. Answer a) is
incorrect because, depending on the temperatures
93) Answer b) is correct. Know and follow local regulations reached, there can be risks to materials, wood
regarding release or euthanasia. Answer a) is floors or heat sensitive equipment. Answer c) is
incorrect because you should keep a trapped animal incorrect because all insect eggs can be killed
calm by keeping it in the dark; cover the cage with if the proper temperature is reached for a long
a tarp, sheet, burlap, box, etc. Answer c) is incorrect enough period.
because animals that are to be released should be
transported 5-7 miles away. 100) Answer d) is correct. Most pests can be killed
by freezing infested materials in a large commercial
94) Answer d) is correct. Never release sick or lethargic freezer that can reach temperatures of 0° F or lower for
animals because they may have a serious disease at least 48 hours, although four to six days is preferable.
such as rabies; contact the health department, local Answers a), b), and c) are incorrect because the
animal control, or the humane society. Answers a), temperatures are too high or duration period too low to
b) and c) are incorrect because you need to contact ensure kill of all insects and stages.
the health department, local animal control, or the
humane society so experts can determine if a human 101) Answer b) is correct. Mattress and box spring
or animal health issue exists. encasements can be used to help control bed bugs
and dust mites by trapping them inside reducing
95) Answer d) is correct because a) vacuuming is the the potential exposure to insecticides by eliminating
quickest way to quickly knock down populations treatment of mattresses and box springs. Answer a) is
of aggregating pests such as boxelder bugs, cluster incorrect because encasements reduce the potential
flies, and clover mites, b) vacuuming with a crevice exposure to insecticides by eliminating treatment
tool can remove pockets of cockroaches and bed of mattresses and box springs. Answer c) is
bugs in heavy infestations, and c) vacuuming may incorrect because most encasements do not contain
be the only acceptable control method in some insecticide and those that do should not be used
situations such as ants or cockroaches living inside in green service. Answer d) is incorrect because
an oven. encasements do not reduce moisture in mattresses
or box springs.
96) Answer d) is correct because a) vacuums can
become infested with certain pests such as bed bugs 102) Answer c) is correct. Moisture reduction can
and fleas, b) vacuums can spread these pests, and prevent and sometimes even suppress or
c) vacuums can spread allergens if not equipped eliminate certain insect and mite populations
with a proper filter (100-series high efficiency filters). such as millipedes, springtails, and psocids,
which require relatively high levels of moisture to
survive. Answers a) and b) are incorrect because,
while moisture can be a conducive condition for
these pests in some instances, simply reducing
moisture will not be enough to suppress them.

Study Answers
4. PESTICIDES IN GREEN SERVICE 109) Answer d) is correct. An applicator, prior to

and while applying a pesticide outdoors, shall
103) Answer d) is correct. If nonchemical strategies are first evaluate current conditions including b) meteorological
unavailable, impractical, unsatisfactory, or not conditions (including predicted rainfall),
economically viable, pesticides may need to be b) the property to be treated (including irrigation
used in green service, but they are only applied and sprinkler systems), c) the surrounding properties
according to need and not by predetermined to determine the likelihood of harm or damage to
schedule. Answer a) is incorrect because if nonchemical non-target species.
strategies are unavailable, impractical,
unsatisfactory, or not economically viable, pesticides 110) Answer a) is correct. Fogging with pesticides
may be used in green service. Answers b) in the interior of structures where humans live or
and c) are incorrect because you make the work shall not be used unless all other methods of
decision based on conditions at the site and an control have been exhausted. Answers b) and c)
analysis of potential exposure and damage risks. are incorrect because point source application of
IGRs and perimeter treatments are both acceptable
104) Answer d) is correct because all the statements in green service.
are true: a) pesticides protect health by controlling
disease-causing pests and stinging insects, 111) Answer c) is correct. Bait station are currently
b) people exposed to excessive levels of a not necessary when used for baiting in secure or
pesticide may suffer short-term or long-term health locked areas (note: this may change in the future:
effects, and c) children are especially susceptible always check the label). Answer a) is incorrect
to certain pesticides because bait can be applied without bait stations
into sewers, voids, and burrows or in secure and
105) Answer a) is correct. When used as part of locked areas. Answer b) is incorrect because bait
green service, pesticides shall be applied only blocks can be hung on wires in sewers. Answer d)
in such a way as to minimize the risk to non-target is incorrect because rodenticides may be placed
organisms and the environment, including water into inaccessible voids.
quality. Answer b) is incorrect because other application
methods are acceptable, including spot 112) Answer c) is correct. Green technicians should
treatment and contained in a bait station. Answer choose products whose end-use material poses
c) is incorrect because other application methods the lowest risk to people, nontarget animals and
are acceptable, including spot and void treatment. plants, and the environment. Answer a) is incorrect
because there is no the GreenPro List. Answer b) is
106) Answer b) is correct. An action threshold is the incorrect because the choice of products is not limited to
point at which a technician takes action to FIFRA 25(b) “exempt products,” although these products
reduce a pest’s numbers. Answers a), c) and d) may be a reasonable choice in many instances.
are incorrect because an action threshold is strictly
defined in IPM as the point at which a technician 113) Answer b) is correct. When choosing between
takes action to reduce a pest’s numbers. similar effective pesticide products, PMPs performing
GreenPro service choose the best product after conducting
107) Answer d) is correct. When a pesticide is a “risk assessment” and evaluating four risk variables: a)
necessary, it shall be applied a) with a precise toxicity, b) potential environmental impact, c) potential
application technique, b) in the smallest area to for exposure, and d) the sensitivity of the site. Answers a),
be effective, and c) using the minimum quantity c), and d) are wrong because each is missing at least one
of pesticide necessary to achieve control all of variable that is part of the four risk variables that must be
which will minimize the potential exposure of used when evaluating products for use in green service.
people and the environment to the pesticide.
114) Answer d) is correct. To be described as acute, the
108) Answer b) is correct. In green service, a spot adverse effects should occur within 14 days of the
treatment to a wall is a permitted application administration of the substance. Answer a) is incorrect
method. Answers a) and c) are incorrect because because the adverse effect does not have to
general treatments are generally not acceptable occur immediately to be considered acute. Answer
in green service. b) is incorrect because an adverse effect can occur
up to 14 days after exposure to the substance.
Answer c) is incorrect because an adverse effect
can occur up to 14 days after exposure to the
substance.
Study Answers
115) Answer d) is correct. Chronic effects are harmful 121) Answer d) is correct. Drift can carry airborne
effects over an extended period usually after repeated residues into nontarget areas such as a neighbor’s
or continuous exposure and include a) cancer, b) birth property, fish pond, vegetable garden, pet water
defects, and c) endocrine disruption. bowl, play areas, or into a ventilation system.
Answer a) is incorrect because runoff is more likely
116) Answer b) is correct. Allergic reactions can range to impact ground water or surface water. Answer
from itchy, watery eyes to rashes, all the way to b) is incorrect because direct misapplication of a
systemic effects such as asthma or life-threatening neighbors property is not very common, although
anaphylactic shock. Answer a) is incorrect because it may occur during power spraying or using a
allergic reactions are not thought to occur during mist blower for mosquito control. Answer c) is
a person’s first exposure, but may occur after incorrect because spills, while posing some risk
subsequent exposures. Answer c) is incorrect to neighboring properties, are far more likely to
because allergy is of special concern around impact your customer’s property.
|ill or elderly residents or very young children.
122) Answer a) is correct. The potential for exposure
117) Answer a) is correct. The toxicity of the end-use during or after treatment varies with both the
product (for example, the spray applied to a product and the application method used at the
|surface after being diluted) is often much less than site. Answer b) is incorrect because the potential
the packaged pesticide product. Answer b) is for exposure can’t depend on exposure. Answers c)
incorrect because two pesticide products with and d) are incorrect because toxicity has nothing
the same signal word may pose different risks to to do with the potential for exposure.
people in the treated area if, say, one is designed
to be used full strength and the other to be mixed 123) Answer b) is correct. Risks to human health or
with water and diluted to a 1 per cent solution. the environment are the result of both the toxicity
Answer c) is incorrect because rat toxicity and of and exposure to a product (risk = exposure +
human toxicity are often closely related, which is toxicity). Answer a) is incorrect because toxicity
one reason rats are used in toxicity tests. by itself does not determine risk with the factor of
potential exposure. Answer c) is incorrect because
118) Answer a) is correct. Applicators face the greatest the application method alone does not determine
risk of exposure, especially during mixing and risk without the additional factor of toxicity. Answer
application. Answers b), c), and d) are incorrect d) is incorrect because product and toxicity do not
because applicators generally face the greatest determine risk without the factor of the potential
risk of exposure. (Note: small children often pose exposure.
increased risk of exposure because they may
crawl in treated areas, put treated items in their 124) Answer d) is correct. Reducing risk from pesticides
mouth, or lick treated surfaces. used in green service is achieved by, among
other things, a) choosing application methods that
119) Answer d) is correct. Regarding pesticide exposure, reduce the risk of exposure to people, pets, and
a) risk of exposure is increased by entering treatment other nontargets, b) applying the pesticide to
areas directly after treatment, b) pesticide on inaccessible and hidden or protected areas
rugs, furniture, and food prep surfaces increase whenever possible, c) applying products as
the risk of exposure, and c) small children are needed rather than on a schedule.
most often exposed by touching, licking, or
eating pesticide residues. 125) Answer a) is correct. Treatment methods in order of
increasing potential exposure are crack and crevice,
120) Answer d) is correct. Runoff of pesticide can spot, general. Answer b) is incorrect because
contaminate a) ground water (for drinking or general treatments have a higher potential exposure
irrigation) or b) surface water (streams, ponds, than the others. Answer c) is incorrect because
estuaries, etc.), where it can also c) impact general treatment pose a higher risk of exposure
nontarget aquatic organisms. |than do spot treatments. Answer d) is incorrect
because crack and crevice poses the lowest potential
for exposure rather than the highest as listed.

Study Answers
126) Answer b) is correct. Individual spot treatments 131) Answer d) is correct. Sensitive sites a) require
cannot exceed two (2) square feet and spot special consideration and a greater margin of
treatments should not constitute more than 20% safety, b) require that you choose only products
of the surface. Answer a) is incorrect because and application methods having the very lowest
1 square foot is much smaller than the actual risk potential, and c) can be sensitive for either
minimum size of 2 square feet. Answer c) is health or environmental reasons.
incorrect because 4 feet by 4 feet equals
4 square feet, which is much larger than the 132) Answer c) is correct. The U.S. Environmental
actual minimum size of 2 square feet. Answer d) Protection Agency and state pesticide registration
is incorrect because 3 feet by 3 feet equals 3 square feet, processes are designed to ensure that when a
which is larger than the 2 square feet permitted. product is used in accordance with its labeling,
there is a “reasonable certainty of no harm to
127) Answer c) is correct. Individual spot treatments human health or the environment.” Answer a) is
cannot exceed two (2) square feet and spot t incorrect because misuse may cause harm. Answer
reatments should not constitute more than 20% b) is incorrect because EPA does not guarantee the
of the surface. Answer a) is incorrect because product will not harm people or the environment.
there is a defined limit. Answer b) is incorrect Answer d) is incorrect because, except in the
because 10% is less than the actual limit of 20 % of case of termiticides, EPA does not evaluate the
the surface. Answer d) is incorrect because 50% is effectiveness of pesticide products.
more than the actual limit of 20 % of the surface.
133) Answer a) is correct. The pesticide label provides
128) Answer a) is correct. A perimeter barrier instructions telling how to correctly use the product.
treatment is the application of pesticides to Answer b), c), and d) are incorrect because the
thresholds and other entrances, the foundation, SDS addresses the hazards of the product not
and the soil adjacent to the foundation. Answer its use.
b) is incorrect because a barrier treatment may
be made with residual sprays, dusts, or granules. 134) Answer c) is correct. The safety data sheet,
Answer c) is incorrect because barrier treatments called an SDS for short, is a guide to the hazards
are primarily targeted to outdoor pests that may of a pesticide. Answers a) and b) are incorrect
become invaders or nuisances when their because use information comes from the label.
populations build up.
135) Answer a) is correct. For some products there are
129) Answer d) is correct. Insecticide baits are often consumer information sheets that provide technical
the best choice if an insecticide is considered information related to the end use product which
necessary because a) baits are specific to is more suitable for your customer. Answer b) and
certain pests and are very effective against those c) are incorrect because the SDS and the label
pests, b) compared to many other insecticide provide information primarily designed for the
formulations, baits have relatively low toxicity applicator. Answer d) is incorrect because
|and hazard to people, and c) baits do not advertising is primarily designed to sell the
easily vaporize to produce airborne residues. product to the user.
130) Answer b) is correct. Injectable baits are designed 136) Answer c) is correct. The special identifying
to be placed in voids, cracks and crevices, further words — called “signal words” — that are printed in
reducing hazard. Answer a) is incorrect because large letters on every pesticide label are DANGER,
baits, as a rule, are no less expensive than other WARNING, and CAUTION. Answers a), b) and
formulations and tactics. Answer c) is incorrect d) are incorrect because each includes at least one
because baits have comparatively low vapor word that is not classified by EPA as a signal word.
pressures. Answer d) is incorrect because
injectable baits tend to be labeled for a narrow
range of pests, often limited to just one type of
pest such as cockroaches.

Study Answers
137) Answer a) is correct. Products that have the signal 143) Answer b) is correct. Statements containing words
word DANGER due to skin and eye irritation like “should,” “may,” and “it is recommended that”
potential will not carry the word POISON or the are suggestions only and you may depart from
skull and crossbones symbol. Answers b) and c) them. Answers a), c), and d) are incorrect because
are incorrect because all highly toxic pesticides the statement is a suggestion only and not a
that are very likely to cause acute illness through mandate that must be followed.
oral, dermal, or inhalation exposure, also will
carry the word POISON printed in red and the 144) Answer c) is correct. Bait translocation is when
skull and crossbones symbol. rodents (or other animals) carry bait out of the
treatment site into a new area. Answer a) is
138) Answer a) is correct. If a concentrate labeled incorrect because translocation has nothing to
DANGER/POISON was swallowed, as little as do with absorption. Answer b) is incorrect because
a taste to a teaspoonful could kill the average secondary poisoning occurs when a predator or
person. Answers b), c), and d) are incorrect scavenger eats an animal that has been poisoned
because significantly less than the amounts and becomes poisoned itself from the toxicant in
mentioned could kill an average person. the tissues of the dead animal. Answer d) is
incorrect because evaporation and sublimation
139) Answer d) is correct. Pesticide products labeled are separate physical processes.
CAUTION are slightly toxic or relatively nontoxic
and have only slight potential to cause illness or 145) Answer a) is correct. Blocks are the best bait
skin or eye irritation. Answer a) and b) are incorrect formulation to use inside a bait station because
because these statements refer to products labeled they are easily secured on rods to prevent the rats
WARNING. Answer c) is incorrect because the from moving the bait out of the station. Answers b),
statement refers to products labeled DANGER/ c), and d) are incorrect because these formulations
POISON. can be more easily translocated or spilled out of
the station.
140) Answer a) is correct. The vast majority of pesticides
used by pest management professionals in our 146) Answer b) is correct. Loose pellets are usually the
industry carry CAUTION labels and so are classified best choice when burrow baiting since they are
as slightly toxic or relatively nontoxic. Answer b) is not as easy to kick out of a burrow as other baits.
incorrect because only a few exempt products used Answer a) is incorrect because blocks are easy for
by PMPs performing GreenPro service are labeled rodents to kick or carry out of their burrows. Answer
nontoxic. Answers c) and d) are incorrect because PMPs c) is incorrect because meal tends to be damaged
performing GreenPro service avoid using products with by the moisture inside burrows. Answer d) is
WARNING and DANGER labels when effective products incorrect because the liquid bait simply is
are available that have CAUTION labels. absorbed by the soil.
141) Answer a) is correct. Always read label instructions 147) Answer d) is correct. Ground water contamination
before every application. Answers b), c), and d) can occur when a) rain carries dissolved pesticide
are incorrect because they are not frequent enough down through the soil (a process called leaching),
since memory can be faulty and since pesticide b) pesticide is back-siphoned from pesticide tanks,
labels differ for very similar products and even c) termiticides enter wells during termite treatment.
for different containers of the same product.
148) Answer d) is correct. Pesticide applicators are
142) Answer b) is correct. A mandatory statement will legally responsible for “properly” disposing of their
contain such key words as “must,” “shall,” and “will,” leftover pesticides including a) empty containers—
or it will use an expression such as “do not,” “use containers that retain pesticide residues, b) rinsewater
only,” or “for use only by.” Answers a) and c) are —solutions used to rinse application equipment
incorrect because statements containing words like and product containers, c) unused pesticides—
“should,” “may,” and “it is recommended that” are old pesticides, unusable, diluted pesticides, or
suggestions only and you may depart from them. unidentifiable materials.

Study Answers
149) Answer c) is correct. When you clean a sprayer or 154) Answer b) is correct. Posting is the process of
other application equipment, handle the rinsate just putting up notices of treatment. Answer a) is
as you do rinsate from triple-rinsed containers—use incorrect because notification is advanced
it in a sprayer as a diluent or an end-use dilution. |notification before pesticides are applied through
Answer a) is incorrect and dumping rinsate in a letters, email, or other communication methods.
sewer or storm drain is a Federal offence. Answer Answer c) is incorrect because reporting is what
b) is incorrect and is considered a misuse of the the technician does with service records, sanitation
pesticide. reports, etc. Answer d) is incorrect because
“representation” has nothing to do with notices.
150) Answer b) is correct. Drift is most likely during
outdoor application with wind 10 mph and
higher. Answer a) is incorrect because wind
speeds of 5-10 mph are still considered low
risk for drift. Answers c) and d) are incorrect
because wind speeds this high present an
unacceptable risk for drift into nontarget areas.
151) Answer a) is correct. Drift is most likely during

outdoor application with wind 10 mph and higher
so avoid spraying when the wind is that high.
Answer b) is incorrect because high pressures tend
to increase drift. Answer c) is incorrect because a
fine spray is more likely to drift.
152) Answer d) is correct because all the statements

are TRUE: a) drift is most likely during outdoor
application with wind 10 mph and higher, b) drift
can happen during indoor applications, as well,
such as when fans, air conditioners, and blowers
create indoor wind that moves pesticide where it
is not wanted, and c) pesticide drift can, on rare
occasions, occur even hours or days after an
application such as when, the day after a
perimeter treatment of a home, a storm blow
piles of treated leaves into a nearby fish pond.
153) Answer a) is correct. Some facilities, especially

schools, require advanced notification before
pesticides are applied and this is called
“notification.” Answer b) is incorrect because
posting is the process of putting up notices of
treatment. Answer c) is incorrect because reporting
is what the technician does with service records,
sanitation reports, etc. Answer d) is incorrect
because “representation” has nothing to do
with future pesticide treatments.


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What is the purpose of the GreenPro certification?

What is the purpose of the GreenPro certification?

What are the main sections covered in the study guide?

What are the main sections covered in the study guide?

GREENPRO

PHYSICAL PEST MANAGEMENT...................................................................................15

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yy Good sanitation is especially important in areas where 2.5 TRASH MANAGEMENT

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3.1 TRAPPING yy Rodent snap traps are available as traditional wooden

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yy Pheromone traps were discussed under monitoring, 3.2 VACUUMS

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3.3 THERMAL CONTROL

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1. CUSTOMER EDUCATION AND 6) Why are customer education and communications

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1. CUSTOMER EDUCATION AND 6) Answer d) is correct. Customer education and

5) Answer a) is correct. Integrated pest management

38 | GreenPro Study Guide

23) Answer d) is correct. Monitoring tools a) work 24

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52) Answer d) is correct. Catch trays in insect light

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4. PESTICIDES IN GREEN SERVICE 109) Answer d) is correct. An applicator, prior to

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50 | GreenPro Study Guide

151) Answer a) is correct. Drift is most likely during

152) Answer d) is correct because all the statements

153) Answer a) is correct. Some facilities, especially

GreenPro Study Guide | 51

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