Texas Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which of the following pests are poisonous bait formulations not used to control?

1. Ants and slugs

2. Rats and mice

3. Centipedes and millipedes

4. Roaches and flies

The correct answer is: Centipedes and millipedes

Poisonous bait formulations are typically not used to control centipedes and millipedes due to the biological and ecological characteristics of these pests. Unlike rats, mice, ants, roaches, and flies, which often feed on bait formulated with poison as a means of pest control, centipedes and millipedes have different dietary preferences and biological systems. Centipedes are primarily carnivorous and feed on other small insects rather than being attracted to bait. Millipedes, on the other hand, primarily feed on decaying plant material, meaning they are unlikely to be enticed by the synthetic materials found in poisonous baits. The use of poisonous bait is more effective for pests that are scavengers and will consume the bait directly, which applies to the other options listed. Ants, slugs, rats, mice, roaches, and flies are all pests that can be effectively managed using bait formulations that incorporate poison as it is consistent with their feeding behaviors. In contrast, since centipedes and millipedes do not typically engage with these types of baits, they are not suitable targets for control using poisonous bait formulations.