MISSOURI CATEGORY 7B TERMITE PEST
CONTROL EXAM PREP QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS + VERIFIED RATIONALES 2026
This comprehensive question study bank features realistic
practice questions, verified answers, and detailed rationales
tailored specifically for the Missouri Category 7B Termite
Pest Control Exam. Each question targets critical test areas,
including subterranean termite biology, application math,
and Missouri Department of Agriculture regulations. It
serves as an essential tool for commercial applicators
seeking to guarantee a passing score and secure their
professional state certification.
Q1. Which anatomical feature easily distinguishes a subterranean
termite swarmer from a winged ant?
A) Ants have wings of equal length, while termites do not.
B) Termites have a distinctly pinched waist.
C) Termites have straight, bead-like antennae and wings of equal length.
D) Ants have straight antennae and a broad waist.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Termite swarmers (alates) possess a broadly joined waist
(no constriction), straight and beaded antennae, and four wings that
,are identical in size and shape. Winged ants possess a pinched
"wasp" waist, elbowed antennae, and hind wings that are noticeably
smaller than their forewings.
Q2. What is the primary function of the worker caste within a
subterranean termite colony?
A) Laying eggs to expand the colony size.
B) Defending the colony against invading ants.
C) Foraging for food, feeding other castes, and grooming the queen.
D) Leaving the colony to establish new satellite nests.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Worker termites make up the vast majority of the colony
and are responsible for all structural damage. They forage for
cellulose, care for the young and the queen, maintain mud tubes, and
feed the dependent castes (soldiers and reproductives) via
trophallaxis.
Q3. In Missouri, what is the minimum number of years a licensed
commercial applicator must retain records for all termiticide
applications?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA)
regulations, commercial pesticide applicators are legally required to
maintain complete and accurate application records for a minimum of
3 years from the date of treatment.
Q4. Which type of foundation construction is characterized by
concrete poured directly over a barrier on the soil, leaving expansion
joints that serve as hidden termite entry points?
,A) Crawl space
B) Slab-on-grade
C) Basement
D) Pier and beam
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Slab-on-grade construction places the concrete floor
directly on the ground. Termites exploit hidden cracks, expansion
joints, and utility line penetrations (plumbing/electrical) that run
vertically through the slab.
Q5. A termiticide label instructs the applicator to apply a liquid
vertical barrier at a rate of 4 gallons per 10 linear feet per foot of
depth. How many gallons are required to treat a foundation wall that
is 60 feet long and requires a 2-foot treatment depth?
A) 24 gallons
B) 48 gallons
C) 12 gallons
D) 96 gallons
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: First, calculate the volume for 1 foot of depth: (60 feet / 10
linear feet) × 4 gallons = 24 gallons. Because the depth requirement is
2 feet, multiply the base volume by the depth: 24 gallons × 2 = 48
gallons total.
Q6. What is the main structural hazard associated with a "plenum"
style crawl space construction during a termiticide application?
A) The soil cannot absorb liquid chemicals.
B) The space is used as a forced-air distribution chamber for the home’s
HVAC system.
C) The wood floor joists are treated with oil-based stains.
D) It prevents the applicator from using baiting systems.
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: A plenum crawl space acts as a large air duct to circulate
heated or cooled air throughout the home. Applying volatile or highly
odorous liquid termiticides in these spaces can severely contaminate
the indoor air quality, presenting a massive safety risk to occupants.
Q7. Which termite caste is completely blind, wingless, sterile, and
possesses a hardened, darkened head capsule with large mandibles?
A) Worker
B) Soldier
C) Primary Reproductive
D) Supplementary Reproductive
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Soldiers are specialized individuals designed solely to
defend the colony, primarily from ants. They are blind and sterile, and
because their massive jaws prevent them from chewing wood, they
must be fed by workers.
Q8. What must an applicator do immediately if a major termiticide spill
occurs that threatens a public waterway in Missouri?
A) Notify the EPA regional office within 48 hours.
B) Contact the chemical manufacturer to request a refund.
C) Notify the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) immediately.
D) Wait until the end of the business day to file an online report.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Any pesticide spill that poses an immediate threat to
human health, wildlife, or water resources must be reported without
delay to the MDA and the Missouri DNR emergency response line to
initiate containment protocols.
Q9. Which of the following is considered a primary sign of an active
infestation of Reticulitermes subterranean termites?
CONTROL EXAM PREP QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS + VERIFIED RATIONALES 2026
This comprehensive question study bank features realistic
practice questions, verified answers, and detailed rationales
tailored specifically for the Missouri Category 7B Termite
Pest Control Exam. Each question targets critical test areas,
including subterranean termite biology, application math,
and Missouri Department of Agriculture regulations. It
serves as an essential tool for commercial applicators
seeking to guarantee a passing score and secure their
professional state certification.
Q1. Which anatomical feature easily distinguishes a subterranean
termite swarmer from a winged ant?
A) Ants have wings of equal length, while termites do not.
B) Termites have a distinctly pinched waist.
C) Termites have straight, bead-like antennae and wings of equal length.
D) Ants have straight antennae and a broad waist.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Termite swarmers (alates) possess a broadly joined waist
(no constriction), straight and beaded antennae, and four wings that
,are identical in size and shape. Winged ants possess a pinched
"wasp" waist, elbowed antennae, and hind wings that are noticeably
smaller than their forewings.
Q2. What is the primary function of the worker caste within a
subterranean termite colony?
A) Laying eggs to expand the colony size.
B) Defending the colony against invading ants.
C) Foraging for food, feeding other castes, and grooming the queen.
D) Leaving the colony to establish new satellite nests.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Worker termites make up the vast majority of the colony
and are responsible for all structural damage. They forage for
cellulose, care for the young and the queen, maintain mud tubes, and
feed the dependent castes (soldiers and reproductives) via
trophallaxis.
Q3. In Missouri, what is the minimum number of years a licensed
commercial applicator must retain records for all termiticide
applications?
A) 1 year
B) 2 years
C) 3 years
D) 5 years
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Under the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA)
regulations, commercial pesticide applicators are legally required to
maintain complete and accurate application records for a minimum of
3 years from the date of treatment.
Q4. Which type of foundation construction is characterized by
concrete poured directly over a barrier on the soil, leaving expansion
joints that serve as hidden termite entry points?
,A) Crawl space
B) Slab-on-grade
C) Basement
D) Pier and beam
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Slab-on-grade construction places the concrete floor
directly on the ground. Termites exploit hidden cracks, expansion
joints, and utility line penetrations (plumbing/electrical) that run
vertically through the slab.
Q5. A termiticide label instructs the applicator to apply a liquid
vertical barrier at a rate of 4 gallons per 10 linear feet per foot of
depth. How many gallons are required to treat a foundation wall that
is 60 feet long and requires a 2-foot treatment depth?
A) 24 gallons
B) 48 gallons
C) 12 gallons
D) 96 gallons
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: First, calculate the volume for 1 foot of depth: (60 feet / 10
linear feet) × 4 gallons = 24 gallons. Because the depth requirement is
2 feet, multiply the base volume by the depth: 24 gallons × 2 = 48
gallons total.
Q6. What is the main structural hazard associated with a "plenum"
style crawl space construction during a termiticide application?
A) The soil cannot absorb liquid chemicals.
B) The space is used as a forced-air distribution chamber for the home’s
HVAC system.
C) The wood floor joists are treated with oil-based stains.
D) It prevents the applicator from using baiting systems.
Correct Answer: B
, Rationale: A plenum crawl space acts as a large air duct to circulate
heated or cooled air throughout the home. Applying volatile or highly
odorous liquid termiticides in these spaces can severely contaminate
the indoor air quality, presenting a massive safety risk to occupants.
Q7. Which termite caste is completely blind, wingless, sterile, and
possesses a hardened, darkened head capsule with large mandibles?
A) Worker
B) Soldier
C) Primary Reproductive
D) Supplementary Reproductive
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Soldiers are specialized individuals designed solely to
defend the colony, primarily from ants. They are blind and sterile, and
because their massive jaws prevent them from chewing wood, they
must be fed by workers.
Q8. What must an applicator do immediately if a major termiticide spill
occurs that threatens a public waterway in Missouri?
A) Notify the EPA regional office within 48 hours.
B) Contact the chemical manufacturer to request a refund.
C) Notify the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) immediately.
D) Wait until the end of the business day to file an online report.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Any pesticide spill that poses an immediate threat to
human health, wildlife, or water resources must be reported without
delay to the MDA and the Missouri DNR emergency response line to
initiate containment protocols.
Q9. Which of the following is considered a primary sign of an active
infestation of Reticulitermes subterranean termites?
