Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

What action is taken when using stomach poisons against insects?

1. Applied on surfaces to create barriers

2. Ingested by the pests to induce toxicity

3. Used to fumigate closed spaces

4. Sprayed into the air for aerial treatment

The correct answer is: Ingested by the pests to induce toxicity

When using stomach poisons against insects, the mechanism of action involves the ingestion of the poison by the pests, which then induces toxicity. Stomach poisons typically contain active ingredients that are specifically designed to affect the digestive system of the insect. When an insect consumes the bait or treated plant material, the poison works at the level of the stomach and intestines, disrupting physiological functions and leading to death. This approach relies on the feeding habits of the target insects, making it essential to ensure that the poison is appealing enough for the pests to consume. In contrast, the other options describe different application techniques or types of pest control methods that do not involve the ingestion of the active ingredient for toxicity. For example, applying substances on surfaces creates barriers to deter insects, fumigation addresses airborne pests, and aerial treatment disperses pesticides into the air. However, these methods differ fundamentally from the internal action of stomach poisons, which specifically target the insect's gut upon ingestion.