General Structural Pest Control
General structural pest control covers pests in and around buildings: cockroaches, ants, rodents, spiders, stored-product pests, and occasional invaders. The exam tests inspection, integrated pest management, formulation choice, crack-and-crevice application, baiting, client notification, and reentry.
Core rules
- Inspect to identify pest, source, moisture, and entry points; sanitation and exclusion are controls, not extras.
- Indoor applications must be labeled for indoor use and placed in cracks, crevices, voids, or bait stations as directed; avoid broadcast sprays where label limits them.
- Baits need correct placement, enough stations, and removal of competing food; overbaiting can reduce acceptance.
- Rodenticides require tamper-resistant stations, secure placement, and attention to children, pets, and wildlife.
- Follow reentry and notification requirements; leave a record of product, rate, location, and date.
- Rotate active ingredients or use nonchemical controls when resistance is suspected.
Worked example
A cockroach gel label allows 4 placements per 100 square feet. A 1,500 square foot account needs 1,500 divided by 100 times 4 = 60 placements. At 0.5 g per placement, gel is 30 g. Reasoning: scale the label placement density to the treated area, then convert placements to product weight. Place in cracks and hinges, not on open surfaces.
Traps
- Using an outdoor or agricultural product indoors.
- Broadcasting spray in food areas or on surfaces not allowed by the label.
- Putting bait where cleaning removes it or other food outcompetes it.
- Placing rodenticide bait where children, pets, or wildlife can reach it.