MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

What should be your first action upon detecting a pest?

1. Select a control tactic

2. Notify the Department of Agriculture

3. Identify the organism and its biology

4. Determine the economic threshold for control

The correct answer is: Identify the organism and its biology

The first action upon detecting a pest should be to identify the organism and its biology. Proper identification is crucial because it informs the subsequent steps in pest management, including selecting appropriate control tactics and assessing the economic impact. Understanding the specific pest allows for a more informed approach, as different pests may require different management strategies based on their life cycles, behaviors, and the potential damage they can cause. Identifying the organism involves recognizing its characteristics—such as its type, life stage, and any signs of damage it may be causing. This foundational knowledge helps in determining if the pest poses a significant threat and if intervention is necessary. Without accurate identification, one risks implementing ineffective control measures that may not address the actual pest problem. This approach promotes integrated pest management (IPM), which is centered on identifying and understanding pests before taking action.