Pest Control Technician Practice Exam

Deer ticks, also known as black-legged ticks, are recognized as the primary vectors for Lyme disease. These small arachnids are efficient at transmitting the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is responsible for Lyme disease, when they feed on the blood of infected animals, typically rodents or deer. The life cycle of these ticks consists of several stages—larva, nymph, and adult—where they can acquire and transmit the pathogen during their blood meals.

Understanding the behavior and habitat of deer ticks is critical in managing Lyme disease risks. They are predominantly found in wooded and grassy areas, and their peak activity occurs in warmer months. This knowledge is vital for both prevention and treatment strategies utilized by pest control technicians, as well as public education about minimizing exposure to tick bites.

In contrast, house flies, roaches, and ants do not play a role in transmitting Lyme disease. House flies are more associated with foodborne illnesses through contamination rather than vectoring disease. Roaches are generally regarded as pests that can trigger allergies and other health issues, but they do not carry Lyme disease. Ants, while important in ecosystems, are not vectors for this disease either. Therefore, the focus on deer ticks as the correct answer aligns with