Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

What phrase did Winston Churchill use to describe DDT?

1. "The wonder chemical"

2. "The gift to mankind"

3. "The excellent powder"

4. "The insect exterminator"

The correct answer is: "The excellent powder"

Winston Churchill referred to DDT as "the wonder chemical." This phrase captures the revolutionary nature of DDT at the time it was introduced, highlighting its extraordinary effectiveness as a pesticide, particularly during and after World War II. DDT's ability to control a wide range of insect pests made it a significant breakthrough in agriculture and public health, contributing to the reduction of diseases such as malaria and typhus. The term reflects the optimism and excitement around DDT when it was first used, as it served as a powerful tool in pest management and disease prevention. The labeling of DDT in such terms is crucial to understanding the historical context of its use, as it was initially celebrated before subsequent concerns about its environmental and health impacts emerged.