Free Practice Questions for OCPE Category-7A-General-and-Household-Pest-Control Exam

For cracks and crevices, a handheld compressed air sprayer is recommended because it allows precise application of pesticide into small, hard-to-reach areas where pests like roaches orants hide. TheGeneral Pest Management: Guide for Commercial Applicators - Category 7A(Chapter 5: Pesticide Application) notes that these sprayers are ideal for targeted treatments in household pest control. Option B (cold fogger) and Option C (thermal fogger) are used for larger areas or space treatments, not precise crack-and-crevice applications.

The NJDEP Pesticide Control Program provides a hotline for reporting pesticide spills or emergencies: 1-877-WARNDEP (1-877-927-6337). This number is used to report incidents like soil contamination from a pesticide spill, ensuring proper response and mitigation. Option A (1-800-CALLDEP) is not the correct hotline number. Option C (911) is for immediate life-threatening emergencies, not specific pesticide spill reporting, though it may be used in extreme cases.

Power sprayers must be calibrated to ensure the correct amount of pesticide is applied, as application rates can vary due to wear, nozzle changes, or pressure adjustments. TheGeneral Pest Management: Guide for Commercial Applicators - Category 7A(Chapter 5: Pesticide Application) stresses that applicators should check calibration regularly to ensure accuracy, especially for Category 7A applications. Option A is incorrect because factory calibration does not account for field conditions or equipment changes. Option C (annual calibration) is a good practice but not a strict requirement; the need for calibration depends on usage and equipment condition.

Lice infestations (e.g., head lice) are a public health concern and are best treated by a doctor or public health official using FDA-approved pediculicides or non-chemical methods like combing. TheGeneral Pest Management: Guide for Commercial Applicators - Category 7A(Chapter 7: Lice) notes that lice treatments are typically medical, not structural pest control, and fall outside the scope of Category 7A applicators. Option B (residual pesticide treatment) is not appropriate for lice on humans. Option C (heat treatment) may be used for items like bedding but not directly for lice infestations on people.

Bedbug control is most effective using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, which combine multiple methods such as inspection, monitoring, heat treatments, vacuuming, and targeted pesticide use. TheGeneral Pest Management: Guide for Commercial Applicators - Category 7A(Chapter 7: Bedbugs) emphasizes IPM due to bedbugs’ resistance to many pesticides and their ability to hide in cracks and crevices. Option A (programmed pesticide application) is less effective and can lead to resistance. Option C (residual insecticides) is a component of control but not the best standalone method.

The black widow (Latrodectus mactans) is the most common poisonous spider in New Jersey, known for its neurotoxic venom. TheGeneral Pest Management: Guide for Commercial Applicators - Category 7A(Chapter 7: Spiders) notes that black widows are more prevalent in the state, often found in dark, sheltered areas. Option A (orb weaver) is not venomous to humans. Option C (brown recluse) is rare in New Jersey, with few confirmed sightings, and is more common in the Midwest.

Lyme disease is transmitted by the blacklegged tick, and both the nymph and adult stages can transfer the disease to humans if infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. TheGeneral Pest Management: Guide for Commercial Applicators - Category 7A(Chapter 7: Ticks) notes that nymphs are more likely to transmit due to their small size and longer feeding time, but adults can also transmit. Option A (nymph only) and Option C (adult only) are incorrect, as both stages are capable.

Bait stations are effective for controlling pests like roaches or rodents when placed in areas where pests are active, such as near food sources or nesting sites. TheGeneral Pest Management: Guide for Commercial Applicators - Category 7A(Chapter 5: Pesticide Application) emphasizes that placement is critical for success, as improper placement reduces pest contact with the bait. Option A (harborage) refers to pest hiding spots, not bait station use. Option B (application as a dab) applies to gel baits, not bait stations.

Cultural controls in IPM involve modifying the environment to make it less favorable for pests. Garbage elimination is a cultural control because it removes food sources that attract pests like roaches or flies, as noted in theGeneral Pest Management: Guide for Commercial Applicators - Category 7A(Chapter 4: IPM). Option A (caulking) is a mechanical control, as it physically blocks pest entry. Option B (threshold numbers elevation) refers to monitoring, not a cultural practice.

According to NJDEP regulations (N.J.A.C. 7:30-9.10), a pesticide applicator business service vehicle must display the business license/registration number on two sides of the vehicle. This ensures the vehicle can be identified as belonging to a licensed pesticide applicator business. Option A (commercial pesticide applicator license number) is incorrect because the individual applicator’s license number is not required on the vehicle. Option B (owner’s name) is also not a requirement under New Jersey law.