7A General Pest Controls: Unit 7. Application and Management Equipment - Test Your Knowledge

7A General Pest Controls: Unit 7. Application and Management Equipment - Test Your Knowledge Name and describe one popular type of compressed-air sprayer. ️The 1-gallon stainless steel sprayer is a widely used tool equipped with multiple spray nozzles for precise application of insecticides in areas where pests may hide. Name three commonly used sprayers in general pest control. ️Compressed-air sprayers, backpack sprayers, and power sprayers. What parts of a compressed-air sprayer should you inspect regularly? ️Regular inspections should include checking both the interior and exterior of the spray tank for any pinholes or stripped threads. Additionally, examine the pump unit's check valve and plunger cup for any signs of wear or damage, inspect the hose for cracks and soft spots, and test the nozzle using a spray pattern check tray. For what types of applications might you use a pin-stream nozzle? ️Pin-stream nozzles are ideal for crack and crevice treatments, directing a targeted stream of pesticide using an injection tool (extension tube). For what types of applications might you use a flat-fan nozzle? ️Flat-fan nozzles are commonly used for general or spot treatments on flat surfaces. How often should you clean a compressed-air sprayer? ️If utilized daily, the sprayer should be cleaned weekly. For less frequent users, it is advisable to clean the sprayer after each use. To mix insecticide concentrates, what temperature water should you put in the spray tank? Why? ️Cool water is recommended for mixing insecticide concentrations because warm water can degrade pesticides and increase their odor. It is important to avoid using warm water for pesticide mixes. True or False: Backpack sprayers are a good choice to apply pesticides in homes and small businesses. ️False. Backpack sprayers are better suited for continuous applications over large areas, such as in commercial food facilities and warehouses. What are some advantages of using bait stations? ️Bait stations are compact and easily movable, designed to attract specific target pests rather than non-target organisms. They contain the toxin, making it less accessible to children and pets. Name some factors that determine success in baiting for pests. ️1. Understand the timing, placement, and method of positioning baits and bait stations. 2. Select baits that appeal to the target pests. 3. Keep the delivery tube capped when not in use if utilizing guns or other injection tools to prevent bait from drying out. 4. Avoid contaminating baits with insecticide sprays that may deter pests. Name at least three kinds of traps used to monitor, catch, and/or kill pests. ️1. Snap (trigger) traps. 2. Live traps. 3. Glue boards. 4. Insect light traps (ILTs). What type of pest would you be most likely to catch with a trigger trap? Where should you place the traps? ️Rodents such as mice and rats are primarily caught in trigger traps. These traps should be positioned near walls, behind objects in dark areas, and in locations where rodent activity is observed, ensuring they align with the rodents’ natural travel paths. Why is it important to match the size of a trigger trap with the size of the target rodent species? ️Using a snap trap sized for mice may not be effective for catching rats, while larger traps for rats may lead to many instances of sprung traps with few captures for mice. What is the main advantage of using glue boards to catch rodents? The main drawback? ️Glue boards allow for the humane release of non-target captures by applying vegetable or cooking oil. However, they do not result in a quick death for captured animals, which may experience prolonged suffering if left unattended or discarded while still alive. What are bait applicators? For what type of application are they well suited? ️Bait applicators, also known as "guns," have specific dispensing tips for applying insecticidal pastes and gel baits. They are particularly effective for treating cracks and crevices. What are the main purposes of sticky traps or pheromone traps? ️These traps are utilized for pest identification and to gauge the size of pest populations. True or False: You may safely place insect light traps (ILTs) near food preparation areas. ️False. ILTs can cause electrocuted pests to burst, contaminating prepared food. Describe the spray pattern delivered by a fan nozzle. ️Fan nozzles produce a band-shaped spray pattern, distributing liquid in a bell-shaped curve, with the highest concentration in the center and diminishing amounts toward the edges. What places on a power sprayer should you check regularly for wear? ️Regular checks should focus on the hose and pump for wear and potential leaks, as well as the nozzle, which should be examined for consistent delivery pattern. How might you use a power sprayer? ️Power sprayers can be used for perimeter applications of pesticides around buildings or apartments. They may also be utilized for treating surfaces of buildings and the structural wood in crawl spaces, basements, attics, decks, and log homes. Briefly describe the special precautions for storage of aerosol containers. ️Store aerosol containers in a cool environment to prevent overheating, which can lead to expansion and potential explosion of the containers. Briefly describe aerosol systems and the proper use of aerosol containers. ️Aerosol systems release small droplets that suspend in the air briefly or settle on surfaces that pests may contact. Generally, it's advisable to apply aerosol products as directed sprays instead of as a broad space spray. Describe the characteristics of ultra-low-volume (ULV) and ultra-low-dosage (ULD) applications. ️ULV and ULD methods generate very fine droplets that can cover expansive areas (fogging). These droplets can infiltrate narrow cracks and crevices, remaining airborne for several minutes before settling on surfaces or directly onto target pests, thereby affecting both exposed insects and those hidden away. Name some advantages and drawbacks of using ULD or ULV application equipment. ️Advantages include lower product volume usage and efficient area coverage due to small droplet sizes. However, when operating such equipment, safety precautions are crucial. This includes extinguishing open flames to avoid the risk of fire and using a respirator as recommended by manufacturers to reduce inhalation risk. What is the difference between cold foggers and thermal foggers? Which type is more often used? ️Cold foggers generate aerosol droplets mechanically, frequently mounted on trucks for treating areas such as mosquito populations, warehouses, and flies. Conversely, thermal foggers utilize heat to create droplets from a mixture of pesticide and fuel oil. Cold foggers are used more commonly. Describe some characteristics of dusters. ️Dusters apply pesticide dust to surfaces, with some formulations remaining active for extended periods. They are effective in areas inaccessible to liquid sprays. The main categories of dusters include hand dusters and power dusters, both capable of treating infested locations efficiently. Name three types of hand dusters. Which type is especially effective in crack and crevice application? ️Types of hand dusters include bulb dusters, bellow dusters, and plunger dusters. Bellow dusters, featuring a tapered spout, are particularly effective for applications in cracks and crevices.