MDARD Michigan Core Pesticide Applicator Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes chemical control?

1. Utilizing natural predators to manage pests

2. Employing physical barriers to deter pests

3. Using pesticides to interfere with pest behavior

4. Applying heat to destroy pest habitats

The correct answer is: Using pesticides to interfere with pest behavior

Chemical control is best described as using pesticides to interfere with pest behavior. This method involves the application of various chemical substances that are designed to kill, repel, or disrupt the life processes of pests. Pesticides can act in different ways, such as by targeting specific physiological systems in pests, affecting their reproductive cycles, or making them less capable of feeding or reproducing. The other options represent different pest management strategies. Utilizing natural predators to manage pests refers to biological control, where living organisms are used to control pest populations. Employing physical barriers involves using materials like nets or screens to physically block pests from reaching plants or crops, which is a form of physical control. Applying heat to destroy pest habitats also falls under physical control methods, as it involves changing environmental conditions to eliminate threats. These methods are valuable in integrated pest management strategies but do not fall under the chemical control category, which is specifically focused on the use of chemical agents.