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This comprehensive study guide provides a detailed preparation resource for the 2025 california branch 3 structural pest control exam. it includes hundreds of verified questions and answers covering key areas such as termite biology, pest identification, inspection protocols, state regulations, and pesticide safety. This resource is designed to help candidates achieve a top score on the exam by reflecting current licensing standards and exam content. The guide is invaluable for those seeking licensure in structural pest control in california.
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Which branch of licensing relates to the control of household pests? - ans No company shall start work on a home or issue reports regarding wood destroying pests until an inspection has been made by a branch 1 licensee? - ansFalse If a home needs treatment, your inspection report must provide information regarding the pesticides to be used for control? - ansTrue Failure to file an inspection report on any property shall be subject to a fine of up to what amount? - ans$2,500. Original inspection reports are valid for how many days? - ans Inspection reports must be filed no later than 10 business days after a commencement of an inspection? - ansTrue If you inspected a home and one week later they asked for you to check and see if the repairs done by others were performed correctly, what inspection would you file? - ansRe-inspection If a licensee is really in a hurry and doesn't have time to do a full inspection, the licensee may choose to do a limited report? - ansFalse If a homeowner is only concerned about termites, you don't have to report conducive conditions? - ansFalse An "Original Limited Inspection" is an "Original Inspection" of an individual condo or townhome unit and it Dows not include inspection of the other attached units or the entire structure? - ansTrue If you did an inspection on a home and 4 months later they called you to do an updated report, you must file a Supplemental Inspection Report and let them know if anything has changed? - ansFalse When filing a Supplemental or Re-inspection Report, you must always refer to the Original report's date and file number? - ansTrue If you filed an inspection report and the owner decided to repair the house himself, you are not required to re-inspect his work? - ansFalse Completion reports must be filed within 10 business days after the has been completed? - ansTrue When a home is under a Control Service Agreement, you are required to do a full inspection every year? - ansFalse A registered company shall retain all original inspection reports for how many years? - ans On a Control Service Agreement, all correction covered must be completed within 6 months?
If you did a free inspection, can you charge them if they want you to come back and re-check their house after another contractor did all the repairs? - ansNo In our industry, insect problems are generally referred to as "infestations" and fungus problems are referred to as "infections"? - ansTrue Which of the following is considered to be a conducive condition? - ansControllable moisture conditions, Earth to wood contacts, faulty grade levels, Excessive cellulose debris, Inadequate ventilation. Let's say you have a wood deck that is mounted on concrete. You can't crawl under it because there's only 6 inches of clearance between the deck and the concrete. But, when you look under it from the side, you can see a little fungus growing on one of the support girders. What should you say in your report? (NOTE: You can't see any damage on top of the deck. Also, the deck was freshly painted last week and the owner will get really mad if you tell him that the deck will have to be taken apart.) - ansWrite it up and call for further inspection. When there is visible evidence of an active infestation, is it considered to be what type of finding? - ansSection 1 Which branch of license relates to the control of wood destroying pests? - ans If a garage is packed full of stuff and you can't get in to inspect it, that would be considered what type of finding? - ansFurther inspection item A separated report will designate which items are Section 1, Section 2 or Further inspection items? - ansTrue If you are using an above ground termite bait station, the mud tubes can remain in place for the duration of use but they must be removed at the conclusion of your treatment? - ansTrue After treatment, are you required to remove all pellets, frass and mud tunnels where possible?
Repellent insecticides are undetectable to insects? - ansFalse Which of the following is an organophosphate? - ansChlorpyrifos Pyrethroids have long residual properties? - ansFalse Which of the following is not an anticoagulant? - ansMalathion Fipronil and Imidacloprid are repellent insecticides? - ansFalse Anticoagulants cause internal bleeding? - ansTrue Atropine is used as an antidote for anticoagulants? - ansFalse Name two botanical insecticides? - ansPyrethrum Nicotine, Oils Insect growth regulators will stop adult fleas and roaches from laying more eggs? - ansFalse Which of these is a synergist and is commonly used with pyrethrums and pyrethroids? - ansPipernoyl Butoxide (PBO), MGK 264 Wettable Powders (WP) completely dissolve in water and do not feed frequent agitation? - ansFalse Emulsifiable Concentrates (EC) are made of technical material, solvents and emulsifiers? - ansTrue Soluble Powders Dissolve in water and form true solutions? - ansTrue Suspension Concentrated (SC) have small particles in water coil solvents and require frequent agitation? - ansFalse Micro-encapsulated formulations (ME) may offer longer residual than other products? - ansTrue Which of the following is not a benefit of using insecticide dusts (D)? - ansDrifts are not a problem. Flowable liquid formulations contain water dispersible powders in liquid form? - ansTrue Aluminum phosphide is a fumigant that comes in liquid form? - ansFalse Insecticide baits combine insecticide with an attractive food and come in which form? - ansGel, Liquid, Pellet Many granular formulations (G) are ready to use, water activated and have longer residual properties than liquids? - ansTrue Methyl Bromide and sulfuric fluoride are fumigants which become a liquid once packaged but will turn back into gas when they are released? - ansTrue When using non-repellent formulations, which of the following is not true? - ansThey are fast acting. Which of the following is not a pyrethroid? - ansPyrethrum Most arthropods breathe through which of the following? - ansSpiracles
Name the 3 body parts of an insect? - ansHead, Thorax, Abdomen Adult insects have 4 pairs of legs? - ansFalse Arachnids have 3 body parts? - ansFalse Insects have 1 pair of antenna? - ansTrue All insects have wings? - ansFalse Spiders have 4 pair of legs? - ansTrue Arachnids have compound eyes? - ansFalse Immature ticks have 4 pairs of legs, just like the adult ticks? - ansFalse Millipedes have 2 pairs of legs per body segment? - ansTrue Sow bugs can roll up into a ball just like a pill bug does? - ansFalse Crustaceans have how many pairs of legs? - ans Centipedes can fly? - ansFalse Most insects have two compound eyes with one, two or three simple eyes located between them? - ansTrue Bed bugs, silverfish and lice do not have wings? - ansTrue All insect larvae have legs? - ansFalse Arthropods have jointed legs? - ansTrue Flies and mosquitoes have 2 pairs of wings? - ansFalse Spiders have how many body parts? - ans Most adult insects have on pair of compound eyes? - ansTrue Cockroaches have a gradual metamorphosis. Does a young nymph look similar to an adult? - ansTrue Silverfish have which of the following: - answithout metamorphosis House flies have which type of mouthpart? - anssponging Fleas have which type of metamorphosis? - anscomplete metamorphosis Beetles, Cockroaches and termites have which type of mouthpart? - ansChewing Fleas, stable flies and fleas have which type of mouthpart? - ansPiercing-Sucking Dragonflies, damselflies and mayflies have an incomplete metamorphosis? - ansTrue Some bees and wasps have a chewing-lapping type of mouth? - ansTrue Moths and butterflies have which type of mouthpart? - ansSiphoning Bed bugs have which type of metamorphosis? - ansgradual metamorphosis Termites belong to the order of "Isoptera" and the word "Isoptera" means? - ansThey have equal length wings. Name the 3 body parts of a termite? - ansHead, Thorax, Abdomen
The queen is the most important member of the colony because she produces most of the eggs? - ansFalse Male and female supplementary termites are not good fliers? - ansTrue If the queen termite is injured or dies, the whole colony will soon die off? - ansFalse Large supplementary queen can lay 60-80 eggs per day and can cause a termite colony to grow in rapid fashion? - ansTrue Termites are born with Protozoan and that is why they can digest wood? - ansFalse Termites must eat liquid droplets (from another termites anal office) in order to get the protozoan needed to digest wood? - ansTrue Subterranean termites prefer sapwood, but will eat both spring and summerwood? - ansTrue Redwood is completely resistant to termites and they won't eat it? - ansFalse Drywood termite colonies may consist of up to how many members? - ans Formosan termite colonies may consist of up to how many members? - ansMillions Dampwood termite colonies may consist of up to how many members? - ans Subterranean termite colonies may consist of up to how many members? - ansHundreds of Thousands Carpenter ants are among the largest ants in the U.S.? - ansTrue Carpenter ants have how many nodes between their thorax and abdomen? - ans Carpenter ants will forage for food as far as _____? - ans100 yards Carpenter ants have what kind of metamorphosis? - ansComplete After mating, the male will stay with the queen for many years until he dies? - ansFalse How many queens are in a carpenter ant colony? - ans Where are you likely to find carpenter ant nests? - ansHollow trees, Logs, Posts, Landscape Members, Wood members of homes and structures Carpenter ants prefer the softer wood, follow the grain and leave the harder wood to form walls between galleries? - ansTrue What does carpenter ant frass look like? - ansPencil shavings Carpenter ant galleries have a sanded appearance and are full of debris? - ansFalse Carpenter ant colonies develop best when the woods moisture content is? - ansGreater than 12 - 15 percent Carpenter ants commonly enter homes through which of the following? - ansWhere tree branches or utility lines contact the structure, Heating or A/C ducts, Attic and subarea vents, Cracks and crevices in foundations, walls and around windows. Carpenter ants are omnivorous? - ansTrue
When do carpenter ants do most of their foraging? - ans10PM to 2AM at night Carpenter ants are quite when they work in homes? - ansFalse If you see carpenter ants in a home, the actual nest may be located out in the yard or on a neighbors property? - ansTrue You can help prevent carpenter ant problems by reducing moisture? - ansTrue You can completely eliminate all carpenter ants by fumigating the home with a lethal gas? - ansFalse Carpenter ant baits are only effective if the ants take them back to their nest? - ansTrue To control carpenter ants, you need to form a protective exterior barrier around the entire house? - ansTrue With Carpenter ants, trimming back the plants is important because of which of the following? - ansIt cuts off their easy access to the structure If a carpenter ant infestation is found in a wall void, you should do a thorough treatment on both sides of the wall? - ansFalse Residual dusts work very well in attics, subareas and they are best applied with a "Getz" duster. - ansFalse Treating exposed wood members with borate solutions will help you slow decay and to protect against wood destroying pests. - ansTrue If a home is fumigated with a lethal gas, you still need to perform exterior barrier treatments on a regular basis? - ansTrue Carpenter ants eat wood? - ansFalse You can help prevent Carpenter ants by eliminating earth to wood contacts? - ansTrue Firewood should be stored next to the structure on concrete blocks to prevent carpenter ant problems? - ansFalse Attic and subarea vents should be blocked off keep carpenter ants out? - ansFalse Carpenter ants like honey dew, which is produced by aphids and scales? - ansTrue The pacific damp wood termite is usually associated with wood decay? - ansTrue Dampwood colonies may have several thousand members because the queen lays so many eggs? - ansFalse Of subterranean, Formosan and Drywood termites, Dampwood termites are the largest in body size? - ansTrue Dampwood termites may swarm all year, but swarming usually peaks during which time? - ansDuring the fall months Dampwood termites have distinct worker caste? - ansFalse
Formosan termites can often live on the moisture from there cartons while feeding on wood in the above-ground portions of a structure for how long? - ansMonths to Years Formosan termite damage looks similar to that cause by dry wood termites but formosan fecal droppings are slightly larger? - ansFalse Formosan termite wings are transparent and have a dense covering of hair? - ansTrue When doing an inspection for formosan termites, you should look for which of the following signs? - ansShelter tubes, Damaged wood, Aerial nests, swarmers Formosan termites usually swarm at night in February, March, April? - ansFalse. April, May, June. If you perform a thorough soil treatment for formosan termites, fumigation will not be needed? - ansFalse Todays baiting systems work so well that formosans will always find them and die off quickly? - ansFalse Some baiting systems may be used in conjunction with liquid termiticide treatments? - ansTrue Is it possible for the aerial nests to survive, even after you do a perfect soil treatment? - ansTrue To Prevent formosan termites, the soil beneath and around the foundation should be treated before the slab is poured? - ansTrue Before fumigating a structure for formosan termites, which of the following should be done?
Powderpost termites are typically found in which of the following? - ansDoors and window trim, Fascia, Furniture Fumigation with gas works well in controlling these pests? - ansTrue Heat or cold treatments are great for large areas? - ansFalse Powderpost swarmers have pale yellowish brown to pale reddish brown bodies? - ansTrue Infestations may be treated by drilling and injecting termiticides into their galleries? - ansTrue The black polycaon is one of the largest wood destroying beetles at 1/2 to 1 inch long? - ansTrue Beetles have a complete lifecycle? - ansTrue A lyctid beetle is a true powderpost beetle? - ansTrue Black polycaons are likely to re-infest? - ansFalse Lyctid beetles attack mostly hardwoods and they do re-infest? - ansTrue Lead cable borers attack maple and other hardwoods. They will also bore through lead sheathing around phone and power lines? - ansTrue Name 3 bostrichidae (false powderpost beetles)? - ansLead cable, Bamboo borer, Black polycaon Bamboo borers are very damaging to Bamboo furniture and will re-infest? - ansTrue Deathwatch beetles are known for their mating signal. How do they do that? - ansStrike their head against the surface they are standing on. Lead cable borers do not re-infest? - ansFalse Deathwatch beetles attack oak and hardwoods and will re-infest? - ansTrue Name two anobiidae (false powderpost) beetles? - ansDeath watch, furniture beetle Furniture beetles will attack coniferous and hardwoods and prefer new wood instead of old? - ansFalse If a home has a problem with flat head borers, you should fumigate the home because they are likely to re-infest? - ansFalse New house borers prefer old seasoned wood? - ansFalse Old house borers prefer new/fresh wood? - ansFalse Bark beetles don't really bore though bark to start their tunnels? - ansFalse If you see wood damaged by a new house borer, it will need to b e treated because they will re-infest? - ansFalse Name a burprestidae beetle? - ansFlat-headed borer What does frass from a lyctid beetle look like? - ansTalcum powder like
One out of every 10 trees is cut down and used to replace damage caused by wood destroying fungi? - ansTrue In active wood, destroying fungus infection does not resemble dry rot? - ansTrue which of the following describes what causes dry rot? - ansHiphae enters the individual wood cells, feeds on their contents, and then the cells collapse. Fungi are plants that lack chlorophyl? - ansTrue The most common wood destroying fungi is ____? - ansBrown rot Fungus plants cannot combine water, carbon dioxide, and energy because of which of the following? - ansThey lack chlorophyl The food sources of wood destroying fungi are dead trees, and lumber products? - ansTrue A spore that feeds on a piece of wood will remain dormant until it has the correct combination of? - ansFood/cellulose, temperature, and moisture + air When conditions are right, the spore will send out strands called? - ansHyphae A healthy fungi will produce a fan shaped structure called a? - ansSporophore Sports can be distributed by movements of air, by water, streams, or by man in animals? - ansTrue What is the food of wood destroying fungi? - ansCellulose Which type of wood is susceptible to attack by fungus - ansWhite pine, Monterey, pine, Douglas fur, common conifers Redwood and cedar are completely resistant to attack by fungus? - ansFalse Fungus will never attack hardwoods, such as Osage orange, black locust, red mulberry, Catalpa and black walnut? - ansFalse Fungus will grow very well in wood that is completely submerged water because it needs moisture? - ansFalse Fungus does not grow very well in desert areas because of dry air and high temperature - ansTrue A rhizomorphs job is to do what? - ansSupply H2O if the weather is cold, all wood, destroying fungus will die permanently? - ansFalse Kiln dried wood is a good choice for building because of which of the following reasons? - ansThe high temperatures will kill all fungus infections, kill dried wood has a lower moisture content Rhizomorphs may extend 30 ft or more from the site of damage? - ansTrue Why do Rhizomorphs need to be cut off and eliminated? - ansSo they can't supply H2O to the infection
Which of the following best describes brown rot? - ansdark brown, breaks up into a regular chunks Poria incrassata is a specialized brown rot that produces Rhizomorphs? - ansTrue Brown rot can reactivate if wood becomes damp again? - ansTrue Which of the following best describes white rot? - ansBleached appearance, damage looks similar to "Shredded Wheat" cereal Molds and stains can cause significant damage to wood? - ansFalse All decay fungi can only attack swamp wood and they never bother with heartwood? - ansFalse Poria incrassata can cause rapid damage to wood, even though the wood is completely dry? - ansTrue Sap-stain or blue stain fungi may make wood "unsightly" but will not significantly weaken wood? - ansTrue White pocket rot should always be treated to stop growth of the infection? - ansFalse Molds (superficial fungi), while not damaging to wood, may indicate that conditions are right for the growth of decaying-producing fungi? - ansTrue If you see a piece of wood which is now very light and shriveled up like an "old kitchen sponge", it usually means which type of rot? - ansWhite rot In areas where the decay hazard is high, it is best to use the heartwood of which of the following? - ansWestern red cedar Most dry rot problems can be prevented by controlling moisture? - ansTrue When repairing dry rot you should do which of the following? - anscarve out the infection, treat with a fungicide and repair with quality wood filler, remove and replace infected members, cut out the damage at least 1 foot foot beyond the rotted areas if you are working in a area and all the moisture has been eliminated, it is all right to treat the infected member with a fungicide and then brace it up as needed? - ansTrue With a raised foundation needs a moisture barrier, you should cover about how much of the soil? - ans70 - 80% Most pest control operators use, moisture barriers made of? - ans4 or 6 mil polyethylene Carpenter bees eat wood? - ansFalse Male carpenter bees are black and have a powerful sting? - ansFalse Carpenter bees spend the winter in their nest and if they survive, they usually emerge in April or may? - ansTrue Carpenter bees never re-use old nests? - ansFalse
Soldier termite do not forage for food and have to depend on the workers to feed them? - ansTrue If you see what damage, which cast members responsible for doing the damage? - ansWorker Termite workers make up most of the colony and which task do they do? - ansforage for food, feed other members of the colony, groom the queen, build tunnels and shelter tubes In Southern California, swarming usually occurs in February, March, and April? - ansTrue Swarming will start within one year after a new colony is started? - ansFalse The 3 main factors to trigger a swarm are (1) correct humidity, (2) correct temperatures and (3) correct light? - ansTrue What percentage of termites die after they swarm? - ans97% Are subterranean termites attracted to wood decaying fungi? - ansYes Subterranean termites need a lot of moisture in order to survive? - ansTrue Why do they build mud tunnels? - ansto protect themselves from ants and other insects, to protect themselves from extreme temperature, to build a bridge over some obstacle, to transport moist soil into structures When examining subterranean termite wood damage, which of the following is true? - ansThey tend to follow the grain Which of the following conditions is likely to cause a subterranean termite problem? - ansFaulty grade, Plumbing leaks, Earth to wood contacts Which of the following is not a sign of a subterranean termite infestation? - ansFecal pellets Why are earth filled porches such a big problem? - ansThe dirt fill may be in direct contact with the homes wood members In homes with raised foundations, you may need a moisture barrier. These barriers should cover what percentage of the exposed ground surface? - ans70 - 80% Moisture barriers should have overlapping layers of 4-6 mil polyethylene? - ansTrue Pressure treated wood may be placed on the ground because it will never rot or be attacked by termites? - ansFalse The best way to treat a new foundation is to perform a complete permitter treatment after the foundation is poured? - ansFalse In California, to insure proper ventilation of a subarea, you must have at least which of the following? - ans1.5 square foot for every 25 linear feet of foundation wall For new home construction, stainless steel mesh or special plastic sheeting impregnated with a termiticide may be effective as a preventative measure? - ansTrue Repellant termiticides are designed to be very effective for killing termites? - ansFalse
Is it legal in California to apply less termiticide that what the label says because we are concerned of protecting our environment? - ansFalse Dragnet, Talstar, and Suspend SC are good examples of non-repellent termiticides? - ansFalse If you see subterranean termites in a home, You should always suspect that there is a moisture problem? - ansTrue Post construction termite treatments are done before the foundation is poured? - ansFalse Foam treatments for subterranean termite work so well that additional treatments are not necessary? - ansFalse Termite baiting systems may reduce the amount of chemicals needed to control subterranean termite? - ansTrue Foam, used for termite treatments, is made by using which of the following? - ansA Surfactant, A special foam machine Which of the following is true about non-repellent termiticides? - anstermites can't smell them, termites, can't see them, termites, can't taste them, they can result, incomplete elimination of a colony Fipronil is a good example of a non-repellent termiticide? - ansTrue Termite baiting systems offer a quick knock-down of all subterranean termites? - ansFalse Termite baits offer residual protection, even after the baits have been removed? - ansFalse In Southern California, dry wood termites usually swarm during which months? - ansSeptember and October Drywood termites are strong fliers? - ansFalse Drywood termites are likely to swarm on bright and sunny days when the temperature is over 80*? - ansTrue After Swarmers land, why do they break off their wings? - ansTheir wings get in the way when they are mating Where do dry wood termites like to start their nests? - ansKnot holes, Joints between pieces of wood, Cracks in the wood Drywood termites belong to the family "Kalotermitidae"? - ansTrue The workers made up the largest number of members in a dry wood termite colony? - ansFalse Drywood termites form their colonies within the wood itself and do not live in the soil? - ansTrue Drywood termite fecal pellets are oval shapes and have four concave sides? - ansFalse
The western dry termite is the specie of termite we have to deal with in California, but it never existed until we started building homes? - ansFalse If you see dry, wood termite swarmer activity inside of a structure. It is likely that the infestation is located somewhere inside of that structure? - ansTrue The EPA registration number will tell you where it was manufactured? - ansFalse "Net contents" will tell you the percentage of active ingredient? - ansFalse Category one pesticide is slightly toxic, and has the signal word caution on its label? - ansFalse Pesticides with DANGER on the label must always have a "skull and crossbones" symbol included? - ansTrue A "statement of practical treatment" will tell you about which of the following? - ansFirst aid treatments A "precautionary statement" will warn you about potential hazards to humans and animals? - ansTrue The LD50 have a product which carries a WARNING label equals? - ans50-500mg/kg Can a manufacturer sell a product with its own brand name on the package, even though it contains the same active ingredient as other products? - ansTrue Abbreviations, such as (SC), (G) or (D) on a label will tell you the type of formulation you're buying? - ansTrue When finished with the non-refillable container, you must do which of the following? - ansTriple rinse with water, rinse into equipment, puncture, the container, and place in a sanitary landfill If the label has a WARNING label, that means it is highly toxic, and that a "taste to a teaspoon full" of that product can kill you? - ansFalse Anyone may purchase a "restricted used product", but they must first fill out the required application and receive special permission to use it from the county AG commissioner? - ansFalse All pesticides must be stored in original containers and kept in a lock storage area? - ansTrue Applicator may apply insecticides less frequently than specified on the label? - ansTrue Mixing pesticides with other products as always prohibited? - ansFalse The "directions for use" portion of the label will tell you what types of pests the product will control? - ansTrue If a product is flammable or corrosive, you can find the information about these potential hazards in the_____? - ansPhysical or chemical hazard section
Chronic toxicity is caused by single exposure to a pesticide? - ansFalse LD50 is the amount of pesticide in the air required to kill half the test animals? - ansFalse To learn how much insecticide should be used to control a pest, you should read the "statement of practical treatment" section on the label? - ansFalse The LC50 of a fumigant that has the signal word DANGER on its label is? - ans0-50mg/kg A product with CAUTION on the label means that this product is moderately toxic? - ansFalse The LD50 may be expressed as dermal or oral in the values are usually expressed in terms of single dosages or exposures, as which of the following? - ansAcute oral, acute dermal, inhalation A person may be acutely poisoned if exposed to a product overtime? - ansFalse Some liquid formulations may list the pounds of active ingredient per gallon of product? - ansTrue A skull and crossbones should be on every label that has the signal word WARNING? - ansFalse Category III pesticides have a high LD50 of 500-5,000 and that means they are extremely dangerous? - ansFalse Pesticides may be placed in a special container as long as you attach a copy of the label or place a service container label on it? - ansTrue On a power sprayer, you can change pumps, pressure output by adjusting the pressure gauge?