FL GHP/Rodent study plan

Build a one-page identification key covering the major cockroach species (German, American, Oriental, smokybrown, brownbanded) with the field marks that separate them, including adult size, pronotum pattern, wing length, and ootheca shape.

Diagram the life cycle stages and typical developmental times for cockroaches, stored-product beetles, and clothes moths, and mark the stage most likely to be seen during a routine service call.

List the behavioral habits (harborage preference, moisture needs, foraging range, nocturnal activity) that determine where each of these pests will be found during an inspection.

Explain the difference between a pest that indicates a structural moisture problem and one that indicates a sanitation problem, and give two example species for each.

Distinguish ants, termites, and other wood-destroying or soil-dwelling insects by body structure (waist segments, antennae shape, wing venation) and describe where each group nests.

Identify common biting and stinging pests (bed bugs, fleas, ticks, wasps) and state the biological feature that determines the treatment approach for each.

Describe the biology of occasional invaders (silverfish, earwigs, boxelder bugs, millipedes) and explain why perimeter treatment differs from indoor baiting.

Recognize signs of pest activity (frass, grease marks, cast skins, exit holes, webbing) and match each sign to the responsible pest group.

Walk a simulated or real structure and document inspection findings using a written inspection checklist that covers exterior, interior, harborage, moisture, and sanitation observations.

Apply the IPM decision sequence (identify, monitor, set action threshold, select control, evaluate) to three case scenarios and justify why a pesticide-only approach fails in each.

Explain the role of monitoring devices (sticky traps, pheromone traps, bait stations, moisture meters) and state what each device tells the technician that a visual inspection cannot.

Describe how to communicate inspection findings and treatment recommendations to a client in plain language without overpromising results.

Read a pesticide label and locate the signal word, active ingredient, EPA registration number, restricted-entry interval, personal protective equipment, and use-site restrictions.

Explain the difference between a label and a labeling, and identify which parts of the labeling are legally binding.

Interpret a label's directions for use to determine whether a specific application (site, pest, rate, method) is permitted, and state what to do when the label is silent.

Describe the federal and state framework that governs pesticide classification (general use vs. restricted use), certification, recordkeeping, and reporting of spills or misapplications.

Select and correctly don the PPE required by a given label, and describe the procedures for glove removal, handwashing, and handling contaminated clothing.

Explain signal words and their relationship to acute toxicity categories, and state the first-aid and emergency-response steps for dermal, inhalation, and eye exposure.

Describe safe storage, transport, and spill cleanup for a small-quantity pesticide container, including the three Cs (control, contain, clean up).

Identify the environmental and human hazards that most often cause enforcement action, including drift, runoff, unauthorized site use, and failure to keep required records.

Match equipment type (compressed air sprayer, backpack sprayer, ULV, bait gun, dust applicator, granular spreader) to the application site and pest situation it suits best.

Calculate a dilution and a treatment-area rate from label directions, and check the result against a worked example.

Describe calibration of a sprayer and explain how nozzle selection, pressure, and droplet size affect coverage, drift, and crack-and-crevice placement.

Explain the difference between broadcast, spot, crack-and-crevice, and void applications, and state when each is appropriate indoors.

List the routine maintenance and cleaning steps that prevent cross-contamination between products and equipment failure on the job.

Build a treatment strategy for each of the following: German cockroach in a multifamily kitchen, bed bug infestation in a bedroom, and an ant trail entering a home, naming the products and placement methods you would use.

Explain the role of bait aversion, resistance, and sanitation in cockroach control and describe how to set up a baiting program with follow-up monitoring.

Describe bed bug inspection, preparation, treatment, and follow-up verification steps, and explain why multiple visits are normally required.

Explain why perimeter and exclusion work are central to occasional invader and ant control, and identify the specific entry points to treat.

Distinguish commensal rodents (house mouse, Norway rat, roof rat) by body, tail, droppings, and travel patterns, and state where each typically nests.

Describe a complete rodent inspection: exterior and interior entry points, runways, gnaw marks, grease rubs, burrows, and evidence of activity.

Explain exclusion and sanitation as the foundation of rodent control, and describe how to place traps and tamper-resistant bait stations correctly for each species.

Describe the safety precautions for handling rodents and rodent-contaminated material, including PPE, disinfecting, and disposal.

Explain how anticoagulant rodenticide resistance, secondary poisoning risk, and label restrictions affect product selection and placement.