Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Flashcards

Which of the following pests is MOST associated with contaminating stored dry goods like flour and cereals?

Answer: Indianmeal moth

Indianmeal moths are a major stored product pest that infests dry goods like flour, cereal, nuts, and dried fruit.

A food establishment should deny access to a pest control operator who:

Answer: Cannot provide proof of licensing and insurance

Only licensed and insured PCOs should be permitted to treat a food establishment to ensure legal and safe pesticide application.

Which of the following is MOST effective at reducing fruit fly populations in a bar area?

Answer: Eliminating standing water and cleaning floor drains regularly

Fruit flies breed in moist organic buildup, so eliminating standing water and cleaning drains removes their breeding grounds.

What is the PRIMARY reason pesticides should be stored separately from food and food-contact surfaces?

Answer: Pesticides can contaminate food and cause foodborne illness

Storing pesticides near food risks chemical contamination, which can cause serious illness or death if ingested.

A health inspector finds an active cockroach infestation. Which violation does this PRIMARILY represent?

Answer: Failure to implement an effective pest control program

An active infestation indicates the establishment has failed to maintain an effective IPM program, a critical food safety requirement.

Glue boards used for pest monitoring should be placed:

Answer: Along walls and in corners where pests travel

Pests typically travel along walls and in corners, so placing glue boards in these areas maximizes capture and monitoring effectiveness.

Which of the following actions BEST supports pest prevention during the receiving process?

Answer: Inspecting deliveries for signs of pests before accepting them

Inspecting incoming deliveries for signs of pest activity (droppings, gnaw marks, live insects) prevents pests from being introduced into the facility.