Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

For small areas, how many square feet should one pheromone trap cover?

1. 100-200

2. 250-500

3. 500-750

4. 1,000-1,500

The correct answer is: 250-500

The optimal coverage of pheromone traps in small areas is generally accepted to be between 250 and 500 square feet. This range is effective because pheromone traps are designed to attract specific insects using chemical signals that mimic natural pheromones produced by insects. When placed within this coverage area, traps are better positioned to intercept and attract pests, enhancing monitoring capabilities and providing more accurate data for pest management decisions. This coverage range allows for a strategic placement of traps to maximize their effectiveness while considering the potential competition with other traps and environmental factors that might influence their capture rates. Proper placement and density facilitate better pest surveillance and help in understanding population dynamics, which is crucial for implementing timely control measures. While the other options suggest broader coverage or larger areas, they do not align with the generally accepted practices for effective pest monitoring within smaller spaces. Therefore, the selected answer reflects the best practices in pest management regarding pheromone trap deployment.