Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

What is a key concern when using broad spectrum pesticides?

1. The impact on targeted pests only

2. The potential harm to beneficial insects

3. Cost of application

4. Environmental safety

The correct answer is: The potential harm to beneficial insects

Broad spectrum pesticides are designed to target a wide variety of pests. The key concern with their use lies in the potential harm they can cause to beneficial insects. Beneficial insects, such as pollinators (like bees), natural pest predators (like ladybugs), and other organisms that play essential roles in the ecosystem, can be adversely affected by broad spectrum pesticides. This impact can disrupt ecological balance, lead to a decrease in the population of these beneficial species, and ultimately affect crop health and yields. While the other options relate to important considerations in pest management, they do not capture the primary concern associated with the use of broad spectrum pesticides. For instance, the impact on targeted pests only does not address the unintended consequences of harming beneficial organisms. The cost of application and environmental safety are also important aspects, but the direct threat to beneficial insects highlights a significant ecological issue that emerges from the indiscriminate nature of these pesticides.