Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Which of the following pests are commonly related in discussions of insecticide resistance?

1. Butterflies, bees, and beetles

2. Cockroaches, house flies, bed bugs, and fleas

3. Moths, ants, and termites

4. Spiders, centipedes, and millipedes

The correct answer is: Cockroaches, house flies, bed bugs, and fleas

The correct answer highlights pests that have demonstrated significant issues with insecticide resistance, particularly in urban environments and areas where pest control methods are heavily applied. Cockroaches, house flies, bed bugs, and fleas are well-documented cases where resistance to various classes of insecticides has developed, which makes them a focal point in discussions surrounding insecticide resistance. Cockroaches, for instance, have shown resistance to pyrethroids and organophosphates, making them challenging to control. House flies have also developed resistance to multiple insecticides, complicating control measures in both agricultural and urban settings. Bed bugs have experienced a resurgence partly due to increasing resistance to commonly used insecticides, resulting from their ability to reproduce quickly and develop genetic resistance. Similarly, fleas have also adapted to certain treatments, leading to the need for more integrated and innovative pest management strategies. In contrast, the other choices contain organisms that are either not typically subject to discussions about insecticide resistance or do not exhibit the same level of widespread resistance among pest control professionals. For instance, while some moths may show resistance to certain insecticides, they are less frequently mentioned than the pests in the chosen answer. The insects listed in the fourth choice, such as spiders, centipedes, and