CPA Pest Identification and Management 3

Question 1

A lawn exhibits irregular dead patches with grass roots severed at soil level. The most likely culprit is:

Accepted Answer

White grub (scarab larvae)

Answer

White grubs feed on turfgrass roots below the soil surface, severing them and creating irregular dead patches that can be lifted like loose carpet.

Question 2

Fire ant mounds are typically found in which type of location?

Accepted Answer

Open, sunny areas such as lawns, fields, and roadsides

Answer

Red imported fire ants prefer open, warm, sunny environments and build mounds in turf, pastures, roadsides, and gardens.

Question 3

Which of the following correctly describes the damage caused by thrips on ornamental plants?

Accepted Answer

Silver-streaked or bronzed foliage with tiny black fecal specks

Answer

Thrips rasp and suck plant cells leaving a characteristic silvery-bronze stippling and tiny dark fecal deposits on foliage and petals.

Question 4

The grape berry moth overwinters primarily as:

Accepted Answer

Pupae in cocoons under loose bark or leaf litter

Answer

Grape berry moth overwinters as pupae in silken cocoons tucked under loose bark, in crevices, or in leaf litter on the vineyard floor.

Question 5

Which tool is BEST suited for accurately counting small, mobile insects like aphids on leaf samples in the field?

Accepted Answer

10x hand lens or jeweler's loupe

Answer

A 10x hand lens allows close examination of leaf samples to accurately count and identify small insects like aphids in the field.

(CPA) Certified Pesticide Applicator Practice Test