Like any specialized business, the pest control business may have its own language. A list of commonly used terms used in the pest extermination industry is as follows:
attractant
A substance that attracts a specific type of animal to it. Sometimes used to attract pests to traps or poisoned baits.
APHIS
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
band application
Application of a pesticide in a strip alongside or around a structure, a portion of a structure or any object.
Also known as: barrier application
beneficial insect
An insect that is useful or helpful to humans. Beneficial insects are usually those that provide crop polination or pest control services. Beneficial insects often contribute to organic gardening (including in enclosed spaces such as greenhouses) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plans, and may include some species of bees, wasps, flies, beetles and ladybugs.
Also known as: beneficial bugs
biological control
The control of certain creatures by using their natural enemies, such as predators, parasites or disease.
Also known as: biological pest control, organic pest control
broad spectrum
Something that affects a wide range or large number of organisms. In pest control, the term ‘broad spectrum’ usually refers to broad spectrum insecticides or pesticides that kill a wide variety of insects.
carrier
An inert liquid, solid, or gas added to an active ingredient to make a substance dispense effectively. A carrier is also the material, usually water or oil, used to dilute a product for application.
certified applicators
Individuals who are certified to use, or supervise the use, of any pesticide covered by their certification.
concentration
The amount of a product in a certain volume or weight.
crack and crevice treatment
Application of pesticides into cracks and crevices with no residual on outside surfaces.
decontaminate
To remove or neutralize a product so the environment is safe.
dosage
The measured quantity of a product used at one time.
efficacy
The effectiveness of a product.
FDA
Food and Drug Administration
FIFRA
Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act
fog
A spray of very small pesticide-laden droplets that remains suspended in the air for a time.
general-use pesticide
A pesticide that has been designated for use by the general public.
herbicide
A pesticide used for the control of weeds
infestation
An invasion of pests within an area such as a building, greenhouse, agricultural crop or landscaped location.
inhibit
To prevent something from happening.
insect growth regulator (IGR)
A type of pesticide used to disrupt the normal development of certain insects.
integrated pest management (IPM)
Eliminating pests by using multiple control methods.
Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
An information sheet provided by a chemical manufacturer describing the qualities, hazards, safety precautions, and emergency procedures to be followed in case of a spill, fire, or other emergency.
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
The federal agency that tests and certifies respirator equipment for pesticide application.
non-persistent
Does not last long. Non-persistent insecticides are sometimes preferred for short-term pest removal.
non-target
Animals or plants within a pesticide treated area that are not intended to be controlled by the pesticide application.
parasite
A plant or animal that gets all of its nutrients from another organism. Parasites often attach themselves to their host or invade the host’s tissues.
pathogen
A microorganism that causes a disease. Some pest insects carry pathogens that can be dangerous to human health.
PCO
Pest Control Operator
pesticide
Any substance intended for preventing, destroying, or repelling insects, rodents, nematodes, fungi, weeds, or any other forms of life declared to be pests. Also any substance intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant or desiccant.
pesticide resistance
Genetic qualities of a pest population that enable individuals to resist the effects of certain types of pesticides that are toxic to other members of that species.
repellent
A pesticide used to keep certain pests away from a treated area by saturating the area with an odor that is disagreeable to the pest.
residue
Traces of pesticide that remain on treated surfaces after a period of time.
restricted use
Any substance for which a special license or permit is required before it can be purchased or used.
rodenticide
A pesticide used for control of rats, mice, gophers, squirrels and other rodents.
selective pesticide
A pesticide that has a mode of action against only a single or small number of pest species.
spot treatment
Treatment of a specific, limited area, instead of a general overall application.
structural pest
A pest that attacks structures or buildings and destroys or damages them. Structural pests include wood boring insects includng termites, wood beetles and carpenter ants.
tolerance
The ability to endure the effects of a pesticide without exhibiting adverse effects.
toxicity
The potential a pesticide has for causing harm.
Read moreRead less