Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered a benefit of cultural control?

1. Reduces reliance on chemicals

2. Minimizes habitat for pests

3. Directly kills pests

4. Can be cost-effective

The correct answer is: Directly kills pests

Cultural control methods are practices focused on managing the environment and cultural practices to deter pest populations, rather than directly eliminating them. This can include techniques such as crop rotation, intercropping, and adjusting planting times, which aim to create conditions less favorable for pests to thrive. The option that state 'directly kills pests' is not aligned with the fundamental principles of cultural control. While other methods, such as chemical control, are specifically designed to target and kill pests directly, cultural controls work by modifying the environment, thus reducing pest populations over time rather than exterminating them on contact. In contrast, the other options highlight significant advantages of cultural control. These methods indeed reduce reliance on chemical pest control methods, which can have environmental and health implications. They also help to minimize the suitable habitat for pests, making it more difficult for them to establish and reproduce. Additionally, cultural control practices can be cost-effective, as they often involve adjustments to farming practices rather than investment in chemical pesticides.