Structural Pest Control Applicator Practice Exam

Why are poisonous baits often used in small amounts?

1. Because baits are needed only where pests gather.

2. So other animals won't eat them

3. Because of their high toxicity

4. They are easier to handle in small doses

The correct answer is: Because baits are needed only where pests gather.

Poisonous baits are typically used in small amounts primarily because of their high toxicity. These baits are designed to be potent enough that only a small quantity is necessary to effectively eliminate the targeted pest. This approach minimizes the risk of overexposure to non-target species, including pets and humans, while still achieving the desired pest control effect. Using small amounts ensures that the poison is lethal to the pests while lowering the chances of causing harm to other animals that may come into contact with the bait. Additionally, this method is efficient since it concentrates the active ingredient directly where pests are likely to feed, thus enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment. In this context, while it’s true that baits are applied where pests accumulate and that smaller doses can be easier to handle, the paramount reason lies in the high toxicity of the bait, which necessitates careful and minimal application to achieve effective control while prioritizing safety.