Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

What type of pests do growth regulators specifically target?

1. Rodents

2. Weeds

3. Insects

4. Mollusks

The correct answer is: Insects

Growth regulators specifically target insects by altering their growth and development processes. These chemical compounds work by mimicking the hormones that regulate insect growth, thereby disrupting their natural life cycle. This interference can lead to issues such as delayed maturation, impaired reproduction, and ultimately, reduced population levels of the targeted insect pests. In contrast, rodents are targeted with different types of control methods such as traps or rodenticides, which are specifically formulated to affect mammals. Weeds are managed through herbicides, which are designed to impede plant growth rather than insect development. Mollusks, like slugs and snails, are typically controlled using molluscicides, which are entirely different formulations aimed at soft-bodied pests. Thus, growth regulators are uniquely effective for insect pests by targeting their hormonal processes to maintain pest control.