Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

What should be inspected at doorway thresholds and seals for pest prevention?

1. Flying insects

2. Pigeons and crows

3. Crawling insects and rodents

4. Termites and ants

The correct answer is: Crawling insects and rodents

Inspecting doorway thresholds and seals for pest prevention is crucial, particularly for crawling insects and rodents. These entry points are often where pests gain access to buildings. Crawling insects such as ants and cockroaches are adept at navigating small openings, and their presence at thresholds indicates a potential pathway into structures. Additionally, rodents, including mice and rats, can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps and are known to exploit damaged seals or thresholds. Therefore, routine inspections in these areas can help identify and mitigate risks associated with both crawling insects and rodents, preventing them from establishing infestations within the property. Although other options might involve pests relevant to different contexts, doorway thresholds and seals are especially critical for monitoring crawling insects and rodents due to their behavior and ability to infiltrate buildings.