Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Which of the following practices can help in managing the breeding grounds for mosquitoes?

1. Using chemical insecticides regularly

2. Watering lawns frequently

3. Removing old tree stumps

4. Leaving standing water in containers

The correct answer is: Removing old tree stumps

Removing old tree stumps is a highly effective practice in managing the breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Stumps can collect rainwater, providing an ideal habitat for mosquito larvae to thrive. By eliminating these stumps, you reduce potential breeding sites and consequently lower the mosquito population in the area. This practice aligns with integrated pest management strategies that focus on environmental modifications to prevent pest proliferation. The other practices, while they might have some relevance to mosquito control, do not specifically target breeding grounds in the same way. Using chemical insecticides regularly could manage adult mosquito populations but does not address the core issue of breeding sites. Watering lawns frequently can create extra moisture, contributing to standing water, and leaving standing water in containers directly encourages mosquito breeding rather than managing it. Therefore, removing old tree stumps stands out as the most proactive and effective approach to tackling potential mosquito breeding spots.