Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

Which is NOT a type of pest that poisonous bait formulations are used to control?

1. Ants and slugs

2. Rats and mice

3. Centipedes and millipedes

4. Termites and cockroaches

The correct answer is: Centipedes and millipedes

Poisonous bait formulations are specifically designed to attract and kill certain types of pests, primarily those that can be drawn to a bait. In this context, ants, rats, mice, termites, and cockroaches are all pests that exhibit behaviors making them susceptible to such baits. Ants and slugs, for instance, are effectively targeted with bait formulations due to their feeding habits. Similarly, rats and mice are commonly controlled with rodenticides, which are a type of poisonous bait specifically formulated for these rodents. Termites can be managed through baiting systems that attract them, directly targeting their feeding preferences, while cockroaches are drawn to bait that mimics their food sources. On the other hand, centipedes and millipedes do not typically respond to bait formulations in the same way. These creatures do not have the same feeding behaviors that lead them to consume bait that would ultimately be harmful or lethal. Instead, they often rely on a diet of decaying organic matter and other small invertebrates, making them less likely candidates for bait-based control methods. Therefore, the choice indicating centipedes and millipedes is the correct answer as they are not typically managed using poisonous bait formulations.