ServSafe Certification Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is an example of a biological pest control method used in IPM?
- Glue boards
- Fly light traps
- Natural predators (Correct answer)
- Chemical sprays
Correct answer: Natural predators
Biological control uses natural predators or pathogens to suppress pest populations, a key non-chemical strategy in IPM.
Question 2: A manager notices small droppings near the dishwashing area. The BEST immediate action is to:
- Apply rodenticide immediately
- Notify the PCO and document the finding (Correct answer)
- Ignore it if food is not nearby
- Close the establishment for fumigation
Correct answer: Notify the PCO and document the finding
Documenting and notifying the PCO allows proper identification and a targeted response without disrupting operations unnecessarily.
Question 3: Which structural feature BEST helps prevent rodent entry into a food establishment?
- Keeping interior lights on at night
- Installing a grease trap
- Sealing gaps larger than 1/4 inch around pipes (Correct answer)
- Using scented cleaning products
Correct answer: Sealing gaps larger than 1/4 inch around pipes
Mice can squeeze through gaps as small as 1/4 inch, so sealing any such openings is essential for rodent exclusion.
Question 4: Which of the following is NOT a recommended IPM practice in a food establishment?
- Storing food at least 6 inches off the floor
- Fixing leaky pipes promptly
- Leaving pesticide bait stations uncovered near food (Correct answer)
- Inspecting incoming deliveries for pests
Correct answer: Leaving pesticide bait stations uncovered near food
Pesticide bait stations must never be placed uncovered near food, as this risks contamination and violates food safety regulations.
Question 5: A fly infestation in the dining area is MOST likely caused by:
- Improper pest identification
- Open garbage cans and poor sanitation (Correct answer)
- Using chemical pesticides incorrectly
- Inadequate ventilation
Correct answer: Open garbage cans and poor sanitation
Flies are attracted to decaying organic matter and open garbage, making sanitation the primary control factor.
Question 6: In IPM, 'threshold' refers to:
- The maximum legal pesticide dose
- The number of pests that triggers a control action (Correct answer)
- The height food must be stored off the floor
- The frequency of PCO visits
Correct answer: The number of pests that triggers a control action
An action threshold is the pest population level at which control measures must be implemented to prevent unacceptable harm.
Question 7: Which of the following BEST describes an IPM approach to dealing with a mouse spotted in the kitchen?
- Place rodenticide on all food prep surfaces
- Set snap traps, seal entry points, and notify the PCO (Correct answer)
- Fumigate the entire building immediately
- Do nothing until more mice are spotted
Correct answer: Set snap traps, seal entry points, and notify the PCO
IPM combines mechanical controls (snap traps), exclusion (sealing entry points), and professional consultation for effective management.
ServSafe Certification Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 3
Which of the following is an example of a biological pest control method used in IPM?