Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

What is an example of a method for applying pesticides that targets insects near entry points?

1. Ingestion treatment

2. Barrier treatment

3. Broadcast treatment

4. Spot treatment

The correct answer is: Barrier treatment

The method known as barrier treatment is specifically designed to target insects near entry points into a structure. This approach involves applying pesticides in a way that forms a barrier, effectively preventing pests from entering the space. By creating a protective zone around potential entry points such as doors, windows, cracks, and crevices, barrier treatments can significantly reduce the likelihood of insect intrusion. In contrast, other methods such as ingestion treatment focus on delivering pesticides that insects consume, which does not specifically target entry points. Broadcast treatments involve spreading pesticides over a wide area, which may not yield effective results for controlling pests at specific entry locations. Spot treatments are more localized applications used for identified pest issues but do not provide the extensive protection against potential intruders that barrier treatments offer. Thus, the use of barrier treatments is a strategic and effective way to target insects close to entry points, ensuring a defensive mechanism against infestations.