A comprehensive reference of pest control terminology to help you prepare for your certification exam.
A natural insecticide derived from soil bacteria, effective against mites, insects, and nematodes. Commonly used in baits for ant and cockroach control.
The posterior (rear) of the three main body regions of an insect, containing digestive and reproductive organs.
Non-living factors in the environment that affect pests, such as temperature, humidity, and light.
A pesticide specifically designed to kill mites and ticks.
The pest population level at which control measures should be taken to prevent unacceptable damage or injury.
The component of a pesticide formulation that actually kills or controls the target pest.
The ability of a substance to cause harmful effects shortly after a single exposure or dose.
A pesticide that targets and kills adult insects rather than immature stages.
A pesticide formulation consisting of very fine droplets or particles suspended in air, typically dispensed from a pressurized container.
A chemical released by insects that attracts others of the same species to a location, often used in monitoring and trapping.
Paired, segmented sensory appendages on the head of insects, used for sensing smell, touch, taste, and sometimes hearing.
A substance that prevents blood from clotting, commonly used in rodenticides to cause internal bleeding in target pests.
A person who applies pesticides, often requiring certification or licensing depending on the products used and application site.
A substance that lures pests to a trap, bait, or monitoring device.
A pesticide that kills or inhibits bacteria.
A food or other substance mixed with a pesticide to attract and kill pests.
A container designed to hold pesticide baits while protecting them from non-target organisms and the environment.
Application of pesticides to create a protective zone that prevents pests from entering or crossing.
An organism that provides benefits such as pollination, pest control, or soil improvement.
The process by which substances build up in the tissues of organisms faster than they can be broken down or excreted.
The use of natural enemies (predators, parasites, pathogens) to control pest populations.
The increasing concentration of substances in organisms at higher levels of the food chain.
A pesticide derived from natural materials such as animals, plants, bacteria, and certain minerals.
Living factors in the environment that affect pests, such as predators, pathogens, and competitors.
A pesticide derived from plants, such as pyrethrum, neem, or rotenone.
A pesticide that is effective against a wide range of pest species.
Uniform application of a pesticide over an entire area, rather than to specific spots or targets.
The process of adjusting application equipment to deliver the correct amount of pesticide per unit area.
A class of synthetic pesticides that inhibit cholinesterase enzymes in the nervous system of pests.
The inert liquid or solid material to which the active ingredient is added to facilitate application.
The signal word used on pesticide labels to indicate the lowest level of toxicity (Category III or IV).
The fused head and thorax of arachnids (spiders, ticks, mites).
An individual who has demonstrated knowledge of proper pesticide use through examination and is authorized to purchase and apply restricted use pesticides.
The use of pesticides to manage pest populations.
A tough, protective substance that forms the exoskeleton of insects and other arthropods.
A type of insect growth regulator that prevents the formation of chitin, disrupting the molting process.
An enzyme in the nervous system that breaks down acetylcholine; the target of organophosphate and carbamate insecticides.
The ability of a substance to cause harmful effects over an extended period, usually after repeated or continuous exposure.
A person who applies pesticides for hire or as part of their job responsibilities.
A type of insect development with four distinct stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
A pesticide that kills pests through direct contact with their bodies.
Application of pesticides into cracks, crevices, and other small openings where pests hide or travel.
Pest management practices that modify the environment, such as sanitation, crop rotation, or habitat modification, to reduce pest populations.
The signal word used on pesticide labels to indicate the highest level of toxicity (Category I).
The process of removing or neutralizing pesticide residues from surfaces, equipment, clothing, or skin.
The breakdown of a pesticide into simpler compounds by environmental factors such as sunlight, water, or microorganisms.
Pesticide contact with the skin, a common route of exposure for applicators.
A substance that removes moisture, often used to kill insects by damaging their protective waxy coating and causing dehydration.
A natural insecticide made from fossilized remains of diatoms, which damages insect exoskeletons and causes dehydration.
A liquid or solid material used to dilute a pesticide concentrate to the desired concentration.
A pesticide application made during the dormant season when plants are not actively growing.
The amount of pesticide applied to a target area or organism.
The movement of pesticide droplets or particles through air to non-target areas during or after application.
A dry pesticide formulation consisting of the active ingredient mixed with a fine powder carrier.
The lowest pest population density that will cause economic damage.
The pest population level at which control measures should be taken to prevent reaching the economic injury level.
A parasite that lives on the exterior of its host, such as fleas, ticks, and mites.
The ability of a pesticide to produce the desired effect on target pests.
A liquid pesticide formulation containing an active ingredient, solvent, and emulsifier that forms a milky solution when mixed with water.
A substance that helps oil-based pesticides mix with water by reducing surface tension.
A pesticide formulation in which the active ingredient is enclosed in tiny capsules to provide controlled release or other benefits.
Plants or animals in danger of extinction throughout all or a significant portion of their range.
A parasite that lives inside its host's body.
The federal agency responsible for regulating pesticides in the United States.
The complete elimination of a pest species from a defined geographic area.
Physical methods used to keep pests out of structures or areas, such as sealing cracks and installing screens.
The hard, external skeleton that supports and protects the bodies of insects and other arthropods.
Contact with a pesticide through dermal (skin), oral (mouth), inhalation (lungs), or ocular (eyes) routes.
The primary federal law regulating the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides in the United States.
The immediate care given to a person who has been exposed to a pesticide before professional medical help is available.
A pesticide formulation consisting of finely ground solid particles suspended in a liquid carrier.
A device that creates a fine pesticide mist or fog for space treatment of flying insects or surface pests.
Application of pesticides to the leaves and stems of plants.
A 1996 law that amended FIFRA and the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to establish a more consistent, protective regulatory framework for pesticides.
The mixture of active and inert ingredients that make up a pesticide product.
Insect excrement and debris, often used as evidence of infestation.
A pesticide that forms a gas or vapor to control pests in enclosed spaces or soil.
The process of using a gaseous pesticide to fill an enclosed space to suffocate or poison pests within.
A pesticide used to control fungal diseases.
A pesticide that can be purchased and used by the general public without special permits or certification.
A dry pesticide formulation consisting of active ingredient coated onto or incorporated into small particles.
A substance that affects the growth or development of an organism, often used to disrupt insect development.
The time required for half of a pesticide to break down into other compounds.
A place that provides shelter or a home for pests.
The potential for a pesticide to cause harm to humans, animals, or the environment.
A pesticide used to control unwanted plants or weeds.
An organism on or in which a pest lives and feeds.
A type of insect development with three stages: egg, nymph, and adult, without a pupal stage.
Any substance other than the active ingredient that is intentionally included in a pesticide product.
The presence of a large number of pests in an area.
The taking of substances into the body through the mouth and digestive system.
The breathing in of substances, a common route of pesticide exposure.
A pesticide that disrupts the growth and development of insects, often by interfering with molting or metamorphosis.
A pesticide used to control insects.
A sustainable approach to managing pests that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to minimize economic, health, and environmental risks.
An animal without a backbone, such as insects, spiders, and worms.
A hormone that regulates development in insects, often mimicked by insect growth regulators to disrupt normal development.
A synthetic compound that mimics juvenile hormone, preventing insects from maturing into reproductive adults.
The rapid incapacitation of pests after exposure to a pesticide, which may or may not result in death.
The written, printed, or graphic material attached to or on a pesticide container, providing information about proper use, hazards, and legal requirements.
The immature, feeding stage of an insect with complete metamorphosis, such as a caterpillar, grub, or maggot.
A pesticide specifically designed to kill insect larvae.
The concentration of a pesticide in air or water that kills 50% of test animals exposed to it.
The dose of a pesticide that kills 50% of test animals when administered by a specific route (oral, dermal).
The movement of pesticides through soil by water, potentially contaminating groundwater.
A document that contains information about the properties and hazards of a substance, including safe handling procedures and emergency measures.
The use of physical methods to kill pests or prevent their access to a host, such as trapping, screens, or barriers.
The process of transformation from an immature form to an adult form in two or more distinct stages.
A pesticide formulation in which tiny capsules contain the active ingredient, providing controlled release or other benefits.
A pesticide used to control mites.
The specific way in which a pesticide affects a pest at the cellular or molecular level.
A pesticide used to control snails and slugs.
Regular inspection and surveillance to detect pest presence, assess population levels, and evaluate control effectiveness.
An organism that preys upon, parasitizes, or competes with a pest species.
A pesticide used to control nematodes (microscopic roundworms).
A class of insecticides that act on the central nervous system of insects, affecting nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
A pesticide that breaks down quickly after application.
A pesticide that kills a wide range of organisms, not just the target pest.
Any organism that is not the intended target of a pesticide application.
The immature stage of insects with incomplete metamorphosis, resembling adults but lacking fully developed wings and reproductive organs.
Pesticide contact with the eyes.
Ingestion of a pesticide through the mouth.
A class of insecticides that inhibit cholinesterase enzymes in the nervous system of insects and other animals.
A pesticide that kills insect eggs.
An organism that lives on or in a host organism and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense.
An insect that develops on or within a single host, eventually killing it.
A microorganism that causes disease in a host.
Application of pesticides around the exterior of a structure to prevent pests from entering.
A pesticide that remains active in the environment for an extended period after application.
Clothing and devices worn to protect the body from contact with pesticides, such as gloves, goggles, respirators, and coveralls.
Any organism that causes damage or creates a nuisance to humans, their structures, or their belongings.
Any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest.
The ability of a pest population to survive a pesticide application that would normally kill it.
A chemical substance produced by an organism that affects the behavior of others of the same species.
A device that uses synthetic pheromones to attract and capture insects for monitoring or control purposes.
The use of physical methods to kill pests or alter their environment, such as heat, cold, or barriers.
Injury or damage to plants caused by a chemical or other agent.
The transformation stage between larva and adult in insects with complete metamorphosis.
A natural insecticide derived from chrysanthemum flowers.
A synthetic insecticide similar to natural pyrethrins but more stable and longer-lasting.
The isolation of an infested area to prevent the spread of pests to non-infested areas, often enforced by regulatory agencies.
The amount of pesticide applied per unit area or volume.
The time that must pass after a pesticide application before workers can safely re-enter the treated area without protective equipment.
A pesticide that has been approved by the EPA for specific uses described on its label.
A substance that deters pests from approaching or settling on a treated surface or area.
A pesticide that continues to remain effective for an extended period after application.
The pesticide material that remains on or in the target after application.
Strategies to prevent or delay the development of pesticide resistance in pest populations.
The time period after a pesticide application when entry into the treated area is restricted.
A pesticide that may only be purchased and used by certified applicators or persons under their direct supervision, due to its potential to harm humans or the environment.
The probability that a pesticide will cause harm under specific exposure conditions.
A pesticide used to control rodents such as rats and mice.
The movement of pesticides in water across the surface of the treated area.
A document that contains information about the properties and hazards of a substance, including safe handling procedures and emergency measures.
The removal of food, water, and harborage that support pest populations.
The systematic inspection of an area to detect, identify, and assess pest populations.
A pest that becomes problematic after the control of a primary pest, often due to the elimination of natural enemies.
A pesticide that is effective against specific target pests while having minimal impact on non-target organisms.
A word that appears on pesticide labels to indicate the relative acute toxicity of the product (DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION).
A dry pesticide formulation that dissolves in water to form a solution.
A pesticide application that fills an enclosed area with small droplets to control flying insects.
Application of a pesticide to a small, localized area rather than the entire surface or area.
An adjuvant that increases the area that a pesticide covers on a treated surface.
An adjuvant that increases the adhesion of pesticides to treated surfaces.
A pesticide that must be ingested by the pest to be effective.
A substance that reduces the surface tension of liquids, improving the spreading and wetting properties of pesticide solutions.
A mixture in which solid particles are dispersed throughout a liquid but not dissolved in it.
A stable suspension of solid pesticide particles in a liquid, intended to be diluted with water before use.
A substance that enhances the effectiveness of a pesticide when mixed with it.
A pesticide that is absorbed and translocated throughout a plant or animal, making the entire organism toxic to pests that feed on it.
The specific pest that a pesticide application is intended to control.
A pesticide specifically designed to control termites.
The middle region of an insect's body, between the head and abdomen, which bears the legs and wings.
The pest population level at which control measures should be implemented.
The maximum amount of pesticide residue allowed by law to remain on or in food or feed commodities.
The ability of a substance to cause injury, illness, or death to a living organism.
A poisonous substance produced by living cells or organisms.
A device designed to capture or kill pests.
A pesticide application technique that uses very small amounts of concentrated formulation per unit area.
An organism that transmits pathogens from one host to another.
An animal with a backbone, such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
The process by which a liquid or solid pesticide converts to a gas or vapor.
The signal word used on pesticide labels to indicate moderate toxicity (Category II).
A dry pesticide formulation that forms a suspension when added to water.
A dry pesticide formulation that forms a suspension when mixed with water.
EPA regulations designed to protect agricultural workers and pesticide handlers from pesticide exposure.
A chemical substance that is foreign to a living organism or ecological system.
The area affected by a pesticide application, which may extend beyond the target site.
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