Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

What do tracking powders primarily help in pest management?

1. Attracting pests for trapping.

2. Providing visual evidence of pest movement.

3. Increasing pest populations.

4. Reducing food sources for pests.

The correct answer is: Providing visual evidence of pest movement.

Tracking powders are specifically formulated to aid in pest management by providing visual evidence of pest movement. When applied in areas where pests are likely to traverse, these powders cling to the bodies of the insects. As the pests move around, they leave behind visible trails of the powder, which can be observed during inspections. This evidence is crucial for pest management professionals as it helps in identifying the types of pests present, their activity levels, and the areas they frequent. This information is essential for developing an effective pest control strategy, allowing for targeted treatment and efficient resource allocation. Attracting pests for trapping does not accurately describe the function of tracking powders, as they do not serve as bait but rather as markers of where pests have been. Increasing pest populations contradicts the goal of pest management, which aims to reduce their numbers. Similarly, tracking powders do not reduce food sources; rather, they are used primarily for monitoring pest activity and movement.