Page 1 of 140
Ontario Mosquito and Biting Flies Category Exam (Water
Extermination License) Exam Questions with Correct Answers
and explanations LATEST THIS YEAR -JUST RELEASED
Summarized Exam Coverage
The Ontario Mosquito and Biting Flies Category Exam (Water Extermination License) tests knowledge of
mosquito and biting fly biology, life cycles (egg, larva, pupa, adult), aquatic breeding habitat
identification, larviciding and adulticiding techniques (including Bti, methoprene, and pyrethroids),
integrated pest management (IPM), equipment calibration (ULV foggers, backpack sprayers), source
reduction strategies, public health considerations (West Nile Virus), environmental protection protocols,
personal protective equipment (PPE), pesticide safety, recordkeeping, and compliance with the Ontario
Pesticides Act and Regulation 63/09 .
1. During a routine inspection of a residential property, you find several containers holding stagnant
water. What is the most effective first step in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for
mosquito control in this situation?
A) Apply a synthetic pyrethroid adulticide immediately
B) Dump the water and remove or empty all containers
C) Introduce larvivorous fish to each container
D) Cover the containers with a tight-fitting lid without emptying them
Answer: B
Source reduction is the primary IPM strategy; eliminating standing water removes larval habitat,
whereas adulticides only provide temporary relief .
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2. What does "Bti" stand for, and what is its role in mosquito control?
A) Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis; a biological larvicide specific to mosquito and black fly larvae
B) Bifenthrin total insecticide; a broad-spectrum adulticide
C) Biological treatment insecticide; a chemical that kills all aquatic insects
D) Bacterial toxin inhibitor; a fungicide used in breeding sites
Answer: A
Bti is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that produces toxins lethal to mosquito and black fly larvae but
is harmless to most non-target organisms .
3. Under Ontario Regulation 63/09, what is required before applying a pesticide to surface water for
mosquito control (e.g., to a pond or stormwater management facility)?
A) A Structural Extermination License only
B) A water extermination permit from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) or
an exemption for West Nile Virus control
C) Only a Land Extermination License with aerial endorsement
D) Written permission from every landowner within 500 meters
Answer: B
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Section 7(2) of the Pesticides Act requires a permit for water exterminations; specific application forms
exist for WNV control in surface water and catch basins .
4. Which biting fly species is known for developing in fast-moving streams and rivers and can cause
significant nuisance to humans and livestock near these water bodies?
A) Mosquito (Culex pipiens)
B) Black fly (Simuliidae family)
C) Deer fly (Chrysops species)
D) Stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans)
Answer: B
Black fly larvae require oxygen-rich flowing water and attach to rocks/vegetation in streams; adults
emerge in large numbers .
5. A municipal worker is tasked with applying a larvicide to roadside catch basins. Under which type of
exterminator license does this activity typically fall?
A) Land Extermination License (Category 2 – Landscape)
B) Structural Extermination License (Category 7 – Structural)
C) Water Extermination License (Category 12 – Mosquito/Biting Flies)
, Page 4 of 140
D) Fumigation License (Category 8 – Fumigation)
Answer: C
Mosquito and biting fly control is a designated Water Extermination License category; application to
standing water (including catch basins) falls under this classification .
6. What is the primary public health concern driving organized mosquito control programs in Ontario?
A) Lyme disease transmission
B) West Nile virus (WNV) transmission by infected Culex mosquitoes
C) Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) spread by ticks
D) Rabies from mosquito bites
Answer: B
West Nile virus is the main mosquito-borne disease of concern in Ontario, transmitted primarily by Culex
pipiens mosquitoes .
7. During a larval dip survey, you collect mosquito larvae that hang at an angle from the water surface
and breathe through a siphon tube. What stage and genus characteristic is this?
A) Pupae of Aedes species (tumble and dive)
B) Larvae of Culex or Anopheles species; Culex larvae hang at an angle
Ontario Mosquito and Biting Flies Category Exam (Water
Extermination License) Exam Questions with Correct Answers
and explanations LATEST THIS YEAR -JUST RELEASED
Summarized Exam Coverage
The Ontario Mosquito and Biting Flies Category Exam (Water Extermination License) tests knowledge of
mosquito and biting fly biology, life cycles (egg, larva, pupa, adult), aquatic breeding habitat
identification, larviciding and adulticiding techniques (including Bti, methoprene, and pyrethroids),
integrated pest management (IPM), equipment calibration (ULV foggers, backpack sprayers), source
reduction strategies, public health considerations (West Nile Virus), environmental protection protocols,
personal protective equipment (PPE), pesticide safety, recordkeeping, and compliance with the Ontario
Pesticides Act and Regulation 63/09 .
1. During a routine inspection of a residential property, you find several containers holding stagnant
water. What is the most effective first step in an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach for
mosquito control in this situation?
A) Apply a synthetic pyrethroid adulticide immediately
B) Dump the water and remove or empty all containers
C) Introduce larvivorous fish to each container
D) Cover the containers with a tight-fitting lid without emptying them
Answer: B
Source reduction is the primary IPM strategy; eliminating standing water removes larval habitat,
whereas adulticides only provide temporary relief .
, Page 2 of 140
2. What does "Bti" stand for, and what is its role in mosquito control?
A) Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis; a biological larvicide specific to mosquito and black fly larvae
B) Bifenthrin total insecticide; a broad-spectrum adulticide
C) Biological treatment insecticide; a chemical that kills all aquatic insects
D) Bacterial toxin inhibitor; a fungicide used in breeding sites
Answer: A
Bti is a naturally occurring soil bacterium that produces toxins lethal to mosquito and black fly larvae but
is harmless to most non-target organisms .
3. Under Ontario Regulation 63/09, what is required before applying a pesticide to surface water for
mosquito control (e.g., to a pond or stormwater management facility)?
A) A Structural Extermination License only
B) A water extermination permit from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) or
an exemption for West Nile Virus control
C) Only a Land Extermination License with aerial endorsement
D) Written permission from every landowner within 500 meters
Answer: B
, Page 3 of 140
Section 7(2) of the Pesticides Act requires a permit for water exterminations; specific application forms
exist for WNV control in surface water and catch basins .
4. Which biting fly species is known for developing in fast-moving streams and rivers and can cause
significant nuisance to humans and livestock near these water bodies?
A) Mosquito (Culex pipiens)
B) Black fly (Simuliidae family)
C) Deer fly (Chrysops species)
D) Stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans)
Answer: B
Black fly larvae require oxygen-rich flowing water and attach to rocks/vegetation in streams; adults
emerge in large numbers .
5. A municipal worker is tasked with applying a larvicide to roadside catch basins. Under which type of
exterminator license does this activity typically fall?
A) Land Extermination License (Category 2 – Landscape)
B) Structural Extermination License (Category 7 – Structural)
C) Water Extermination License (Category 12 – Mosquito/Biting Flies)
, Page 4 of 140
D) Fumigation License (Category 8 – Fumigation)
Answer: C
Mosquito and biting fly control is a designated Water Extermination License category; application to
standing water (including catch basins) falls under this classification .
6. What is the primary public health concern driving organized mosquito control programs in Ontario?
A) Lyme disease transmission
B) West Nile virus (WNV) transmission by infected Culex mosquitoes
C) Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) spread by ticks
D) Rabies from mosquito bites
Answer: B
West Nile virus is the main mosquito-borne disease of concern in Ontario, transmitted primarily by Culex
pipiens mosquitoes .
7. During a larval dip survey, you collect mosquito larvae that hang at an angle from the water surface
and breathe through a siphon tube. What stage and genus characteristic is this?
A) Pupae of Aedes species (tumble and dive)
B) Larvae of Culex or Anopheles species; Culex larvae hang at an angle
