Commodity Fumigation License Practice Exam

What type of insect can be controlled using soil fumigants?

1. Surface-dwelling insects

2. Soil insects

3. Aerial insects

4. Insects on plant leaves

The correct answer is: Soil insects

Soil insects are effectively controlled using soil fumigants because these chemicals are designed to penetrate the soil and target pests that inhabit this environment. Soil fumigants work by releasing gases that can diffuse throughout the soil, reaching various life stages of insects such as larvae and adults while also affecting other pests like nematodes and diseases in the soil. Since soil insects spend significant portions of their lives below the surface, they are particularly susceptible to the volatile nature of these fumigants. This method provides an effective way to manage pest populations before they can damage crops or interfere with plant health. While surface-dwelling insects, aerial insects, and insects on plant leaves may be exposed to different forms of pest control methods, including contact sprays or systemic insecticides, they are not targets for soil fumigants, as these products primarily address issues found in the soil. Thus, focusing on soil insects underscores the specific purpose and functionality of soil fumigants in pest management practices.