What are common signs of pests?

Droppings, gnaw marks, grease marks along walls, and a musty smell.

Who should carry out pesticide treatment?

A licensed pest control professional, to avoid contaminating food with chemicals.

How do you keep pests out of a kitchen?

Seal entry points, screen openings, store food sealed and off the floor, and manage waste well.

How can I revise pest control quickly?

Use topic-drill mode for pest control and read the explanation on every question you miss, then re-test. Flashcards and a full 40-question practice test help the knowledge stick before your assessment.

Pest Control

Pests carry disease and contaminate food and surfaces, so controlling them is a food safety priority. Effective control layers prevention, monitoring and professional treatment.

Every staff member should recognise and report the signs of pests.

Keeping pests out

Seal gaps, screen windows, use self-closing doors, store food in sealed containers off the floor, and manage waste with covered, regularly emptied bins. Remove cardboard promptly — it harbours cockroaches.

Detecting and treating

Signs include droppings, gnaw marks and a musty smell. Report them immediately and protect food. Pesticide treatment should be done by a licensed professional — never spray household pesticide over food.

How to revise pest control for the exam

Learn the signs of pests and the rule that licensed professionals carry out pesticide treatment. The questions are usually scenario-based, so practise applying the rule rather than just reciting it. Work through the Pest Control drill below until you can answer without hesitating, review anything you get wrong, then sit a full timed test to confirm you are exam-ready.

Common exam traps

A single daytime cockroach often signals a hidden infestation — act on it.
Never spray pesticide over or near food — use a licensed controller.
Cardboard boxes are prime cockroach harbourage — break them down and remove.

Pest Control FAQ

What are common signs of pests?+: Droppings, gnaw marks, grease marks along walls, and a musty smell.
Who should carry out pesticide treatment?+: A licensed pest control professional, to avoid contaminating food with chemicals.
How do you keep pests out of a kitchen?+: Seal entry points, screen openings, store food sealed and off the floor, and manage waste well.
How can I revise pest control quickly?+: Use topic-drill mode for pest control and read the explanation on every question you miss, then re-test. Flashcards and a full 40-question practice test help the knowledge stick before your assessment.

Ready to test yourself?

Drill pest control questions, or take a full 40-question practice test. Instant feedback, no sign-up.

Start Pest Control drill Full practice test

Study all 12 topics

Food Standards Code & Legislation Food Handler Responsibilities Temperature & Danger Zone Cross Contamination Personal Hygiene Cleaning & Sanitising Allergen Management Food Storage & Labelling HACCP Basics Food Safety Supervisor Duties High-Risk Foods & Vulnerable Groups

Written and reviewed by the Food Safety Practice AU editorial team. Last reviewed June 2026. Based on the Food Standards Code (FSANZ) and Australian state/territory food authorities. General guidance only — not official certification.