Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

What type of pests can benefit from products containing pyrroles?

1. Only termites

2. Terrestrial mammals

3. Ants and cockroaches

4. Only pests with exoskeletons

The correct answer is: Ants and cockroaches

Pyrroles are a class of insecticides known for their effectiveness against certain pests. They act by interfering with the physiological processes of insects, particularly those that undergo a life cycle involving molting. The reason why ants and cockroaches are particularly impacted by pyrroles is due to their exoskeleton, which is critical to their survival and development. These compounds disrupt the normal function of proteins involved in the formation of the exoskeleton, leading to issues such as improper molting and ultimately mortality. This makes pyrroles especially effective against insects like ants and cockroaches that rely heavily on their exoskeleton for protection and structural integrity. While termites do have exoskeletons and may also be affected by certain insecticides, they are not the primary target of pyrroles compared to ants and cockroaches. Other options, such as terrestrial mammals, do not benefit from pyrroles, as these compounds are specifically designed for insect targets and do not apply to larger organisms. Thus, the efficacy of pyrroles is most evident in their use against pests like ants and cockroaches, confirming the selection of this response as the correct one.