Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

In pest management, what advantage do aggregation pheromones provide?

1. They deter pests from entering an area

2. They help in forming pest control strategies by grouping for monitoring

3. They confuse the mating rituals of pests

4. They trigger immediate aggression against intruders

The correct answer is: They help in forming pest control strategies by grouping for monitoring

Aggregation pheromones play a crucial role in pest management by facilitating the gathering of pests in specific areas, which allows for more effective monitoring and control strategies. When pests are attracted to the same location due to these pheromones, it becomes easier for pest management professionals to assess their populations, understand their behavior, and develop targeted control measures. This aggregation allows for the implementation of more efficient monitoring techniques and the potential for coordinated control efforts, ultimately leading to more effective and sustainable pest management practices. The other options do not align with the primary function of aggregation pheromones. While some pheromones may serve to deter pests or confuse mating behaviors, aggregation pheromones specifically focus on bringing individuals together rather than dispersing or confusing them.