Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Which formulation of pesticide is typically used for targeting specific pest populations?

1. Liquid

2. Granule

3. Bait

4. Dust

The correct answer is: Bait

Bait formulations are specifically designed to attract targeted pest populations. These products usually contain a combination of food attractants and a toxicant that is appealing to the pests for whom the bait is intended. This formulation is particularly effective for addressing pest issues, such as with cockroaches or ants, where the pests will consume the bait and carry it back to their colonies, effectively targeting not just the individual pests accessing the bait, but also others in the population. The other formulations serve different purposes. Liquid formulations are versatile and can be used for a range of applications, including general spraying, but they do not inherently attract pests in the same way that baits do. Granules can be used for soil applications or targeting specific surface pests, but they lack the attractant properties that baits have. Dust formulations can target pests by settling on them, disrupting their ability to move or feed, yet they do not inherently lure pests in the way that bait does. Therefore, bait is particularly effective for targeting specific pest populations due to its attractive nature combined with a toxic agent.