Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

What are the advantages of dust formulations in pest control?

1. They are liquid and can be sprayed

2. They can be applied in open environments

3. They are effective in small, confined spaces

4. They contain many harmful chemicals

The correct answer is: They are effective in small, confined spaces

Dust formulations in pest control are particularly beneficial for their effectiveness in small, confined spaces. When applied, dusts can settle and adhere to surfaces, allowing them to persist longer in areas that are often difficult to treat with other formulations. This makes them ideal for use in tight cracks, crevices, wall voids, and beneath appliances where pests may hide and where exposure to larger volumes of liquid formulations might be impractical or ineffective. In addition, dusts have low rates of mobility in liquid form, which helps to keep the active ingredient localized, ensuring that it remains in the targeted area and increases the likelihood of pest contact. This localized behavior not only enhances effectiveness but can also reduce the risk of environmental contamination or exposure to non-target organisms, which can be a concern with other formulations. Considering the other choices: the option about being liquid and able to be sprayed does not pertain to dust formulations, as dusts are dry, not liquid. While they can be applied in open environments, this characteristic applies generally to various formulations, but does not highlight the distinctive advantage of dusts. Lastly, the assertion that dusts contain many harmful chemicals is misleading; the focus should rather be on the active ingredients and their safety profiles, rather than inherently labeling