Certification Examination Practice

Illinois Mosquito Control Technician Certification Examination Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of mosquito control programs?
• To eliminate all insects in an area
• To reduce mosquito populations to acceptable levels
• To prevent bird migration
• To increase mosquito biodiversity
• To reduce mosquito populations to acceptable levels

Rationale: Mosquito control programs aim to lower mosquito

populations to reduce nuisance and disease risk, not to eradicate all insects. 1 / 4

• Which of the following mosquito species is most commonly associated

with West Nile virus transmission in Illinois?

• Aedes aegypti
• Anopheles quadrimaculatus
• Culex pipiens
• Culiseta melanura
• Culex pipiens

Rationale: Culex pipiens is the primary vector of West Nile virus in

Illinois.

• What stage of the mosquito lifecycle occurs in water and is actively

feeding?

• Egg
• Larva
• Pupa
• Adult
• Larva

Rationale: Mosquito larvae live in water and feed on

microorganisms; eggs hatch into larvae.

• Which environmental factor has the greatest influence on mosquito

breeding?

• Soil composition
• Availability of standing water
• Air pollution 2 / 4

• Wind direction
• Availability of standing water

Rationale: Mosquitoes require standing water for egg-laying and

larval development.

• What is the term for mosquitoes that feed during the daytime?
• Nocturnal
• Crepuscular
• Diurnal
• Photophobic
• Diurnal

Rationale: Diurnal mosquitoes are active during the day; crepuscular

are active at dawn and dusk.

• Which chemical is commonly used for larval mosquito control?
• Malathion
• Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis)

C. DEET

• Permethrin
• Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis)

Rationale: Bti targets mosquito larvae specifically and is safe for non-

target organisms.

• Which adult mosquito control method is most appropriate during a

disease outbreak?

• Larvicide application 3 / 4

• Source reduction
• Adulticide spraying
• Biological control with fish
• Adulticide spraying

Rationale: Adulticide spraying targets adult mosquitoes quickly to

reduce disease transmission risk during outbreaks.

• What is the typical lifespan of an adult female Culex mosquito?
• 1–3 days
• 1–2 weeks
• 1–2 months
• 6 months
• 1–2 months

Rationale: Adult female Culex mosquitoes generally live 1–2 months

under favorable conditions.

• What is the main goal of integrated mosquito management (IMM)?
• To rely solely on chemical controls
• To use multiple control methods for sustainable mosquito reduction
• To increase predator populations only
• To eliminate all mosquitoes
• To use multiple control methods for sustainable mosquito

reduction

Rationale: IMM combines chemical, biological, environmental, and

educational strategies for effective, sustainable control.

• / 4