Florida Termite + WDO Exam
2026/2027 Questions and Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A+
200 Questions | Aligned with FDACS Chapter 482 Standards
Based on Latest 2026/2027 Updated Florida WDO Examination Standards
Section 1: WDO Identification and Biology
(Termite Families, Species Identification, Caste Roles, and Distinguishing Features)
Q1. A licensed WDO inspector examines a residential structure in Jacksonville and discovers pencil-width tunnels running
vertically from the soil up the concrete block foundation and across an exposed wood sill plate. No fecal pellets are found
near the wood. Based on FDACS Chapter 482 guidelines, which termite family is most likely responsible for this activity?
A. Kalotermitidae, because they construct protective tubes to maintain humidity
B. Rhinotermitidae, because they require soil contact and build mud/shelter tubes to reach above-ground wood
[CORRECT]
C. Kalotermitidae, because they are the most common structural pest in northern Florida
D. Rhinotermitidae, because they produce six-sided fecal pellets as they tunnel through wood
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Subterranean termites (Family Rhinotermitidae) must maintain contact with the soil for moisture and build mud or shelter tubes to
protect themselves while foraging above ground. Under Chapter 482, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the presence
of mud tubes on foundations is a key indicator of subterranean termite activity. Kalotermitidae (drywood termites) do not build mud tubes and
live entirely within wood.
Q2. A homeowner in Miami reports finding small piles of hard, six-sided pellets accumulating on a windowsill beneath an
exposed wooden beam. The beam shows no visible soil or mud, and no shelter tubes are present on the exterior walls. Which
of the following is the most accurate identification of the pest?
A. Subterranean termites, because they expel soil particles as they tunnel through structural wood
B. Carpenter ants, because they push sawdust-like debris out of their nesting galleries
C. Drywood termites, because they produce six-sided fecal pellets and live entirely within wood without soil contact
[CORRECT]
D. Dampwood termites, because they leave six-sided pellets near moisture-damaged wood only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Drywood termites (Family Kalotermitidae) live entirely within the wood they infest and expel six-sided fecal pellets through kick-out
holes. Unlike subterranean termites, they require no soil contact and do not produce mud tubes. The presence of six-sided pellets is diagnostic
for drywood termite activity under FDACS WDO inspection standards.
Q3. During a WDO inspection in Tampa, a pest control operator collects several winged insects found dead on a windowsill.
Under magnification, all four wings are of equal length, the antennae appear straight and bead-like, and the waist region is
broad without a distinct constriction. These insects are most likely:
A. Carpenter ant alates, because they have a broad waist and straight antennae
B. Drywood termite alates, because they possess four equal-length wings, straight bead-like antennae, and a broad
waist [CORRECT]
C. Subterranean termite alates, because they have a pinched waist and elbowed antennae
D. Flying ants, because all winged insects found on windowsills are ants
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Termite alates can be distinguished from ant alates by three key morphological features: equal-length wings (versus forewings
longer in ants), straight bead-like antennae (versus elbowed in ants), and a broad waist (versus a pinched petiole in ants). These identification
Florida Termite + WDO Exam 2026/2027
,criteria are fundamental for WDO inspectors operating under Chapter 482.
Q4. According to revised taxonomic classification adopted by entomologists and referenced in current WDO certification
materials, termites are now classified under which order?
A. Order Blattodea, placing termites within the same order as cockroaches based on molecular and morphological
evidence [CORRECT]
B. Order Isoptera, which has long been the standard classification for all termite species
C. Order Hymenoptera, because of their social colony structure similar to ants and bees
D. Order Orthoptera, because of their chewing mouthparts and hemimetabolous development
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Modern molecular systematics has demonstrated that termites are nested within the cockroach lineage, leading to their
reclassification from Order Isoptera to Order Blattodea (as the epifamily Termitoidae). WDO certification candidates should be aware of this
updated taxonomy as it reflects current scientific understanding referenced in FDACS examination materials.
Q5. A WDO inspector in Orlando finds extensive wood damage in a wall cavity. The damage consists of galleries packed with
soil and mud, and live workers are observed moving through the galleries. Which statement best describes the role of these
workers in the colony?
A. Workers defend the colony using their mandibles and chemical secretions against predators
B. Workers are the reproductive caste responsible for swarming and establishing new colonies
C. Workers are sterile, wingless individuals that forage for cellulose, feed the colony through trophallaxis, and are
responsible for all wood damage [CORRECT]
D. Workers produce six-sided fecal pellets and eject them through kick-out holes in the wood
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In termite colonies, the worker caste is responsible for all foraging, feeding, and wood damage. Workers are sterile and wingless,
and they feed other colony members through a process called trophallaxis. Under Chapter 482, understanding caste roles is essential for proper
identification and treatment recommendations in WDO inspections.
Q6. While performing an inspection of a commercial building in Pensacola, a technician opens a subterranean termite gallery
and observes soldiers intermingled with workers. The soldiers have enlarged, heavily sclerotized heads with large mandibles.
Which of the following correctly describes the function of the soldier caste?
A. Soldiers forage for cellulose material and excavate galleries throughout the infested structure
B. Soldiers are responsible for establishing new colonies during swarming season
C. Soldiers feed the reproductives and young through trophallaxis and construct shelter tubes
D. Soldiers defend the colony against predators but cannot feed themselves or cause wood damage [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Termite soldiers are a specialized defensive caste with enlarged heads and mandibles (or a nasus in some species) designed to
protect the colony from predators, primarily ants. Soldiers cannot feed themselves and must be fed by workers through trophallaxis. They do
not cause wood damage, which is solely the role of workers, an important distinction for WDO inspectors under FDACS Chapter 482.
Q7. A homeowner in Fort Lauderdale calls a pest control company in April to report hundreds of winged insects swarming
from a nearby tree stump at dusk. The alates have equal-length wings, straight antennae, and a broad waist. They shed their
wings shortly after landing. What is the primary biological purpose of these winged reproductives?
A. To forage for new food sources and establish satellite feeding galleries away from the parent colony
B. To defend dispersing workers during colony relocation to a new structure
C. To reproduce and establish new colonies by dispersing from the parent colony, shedding wings after flight to pair
off and seek a suitable nesting site [CORRECT]
D. To produce cellulose-digesting protozoa that can be transferred to new colony members
Correct Answer: C
Florida Termite + WDO Exam 2026/2027 | Page 2
,Rationale: Winged termite reproductives (alates) are produced for dispersal and colony founding. After a nuptial flight, they shed their wings,
pair off as king and queen, and seek a suitable location to start a new colony. This swarming behavior is a critical life cycle event that WDO
inspectors must understand to properly advise homeowners under Chapter 482 guidelines.
Q8. During a routine WDO inspection of an attic in Sarasota, an inspector notices small, round openings (approximately 1-2
mm) in the surface of structural roof timbers and a small accumulation of granular, six-sided pellets on the attic floor directly
beneath these openings. The wood itself sounds hollow when tapped. What do these findings most strongly indicate?
A. Active subterranean termite infestation, as indicated by soil particles falling from the damaged wood
B. Carpenter bee activity, evidenced by round exit holes and wood debris on the floor below
C. Powderpost beetle infestation, confirmed by the presence of fine frass and round emergence holes
D. Active drywood termite infestation, as evidenced by kick-out holes and the accumulation of six-sided fecal pellets
[CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Drywood termites create small kick-out holes to expel their six-sided fecal pellets, which accumulate below the infested wood. Unlike
powderpost beetle frass, drywood termite pellets are distinctly six-sided and hard. Under FDACS Chapter 482 WDO reporting standards,
kick-out holes with associated pellets are a primary indicator of drywood termite activity.
Q9. A pest management professional in Gainesville is inspecting a crawl space and finds earthen shelter tubes approximately
one-quarter inch in diameter running from the soil up the concrete foundation wall to the floor joists above. Breaking open
the tubes reveals white, soft-bodied insects. Which family of termites constructs these shelter tubes and why?
A. Kalotermitidae, because drywood termites build earthen tubes to connect separate infestation points within a structure
B. Rhinotermitidae, because subterranean termites build shelter tubes to maintain moisture and protect themselves
from desiccation and predators while traveling between soil and wood [CORRECT]
C. Kalotermitidae, because they require high humidity and use tubes to conserve moisture within the wood
D. Rhinotermitidae, because they use shelter tubes exclusively for reproductive dispersal during swarming season
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Subterranean termites (Family Rhinotermitidae) are highly susceptible to desiccation and build shelter or mud tubes to maintain the
high humidity they need to survive above ground. These tubes also provide protection from predators. Drywood termites (Kalotermitidae) do
not construct mud tubes, a key diagnostic difference for WDO inspectors under FDACS regulations.
Q10. In Florida, which of the following statements most accurately describes the typical swarming seasons for the most
common subterranean and drywood termite species?
A. Eastern subterranean termites typically swarm in summer, while drywood termites swarm exclusively in winter months
B. Both subterranean and drywood termites in Florida swarm only during the hottest months of July and August
C. Florida termites do not follow seasonal swarming patterns; swarms can occur at any time of year with equal frequency
D. Eastern subterranean termites typically swarm from February through May, while drywood termites (e.g., West
Indian drywood termite) commonly swarm from April through June and again in September through November
[CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In Florida, Eastern subterranean termites (Reticulitermes flavipes) typically swarm from February through May, often triggered by
warm, humid conditions after rain. Drywood termites such as the West Indian drywood termite (Cryptotermes brevis) commonly swarm in two
peak periods: April through June and September through November. WDO inspectors must know these seasonal patterns to accurately identify
swarming events under Chapter 482.
Q11. How do termites digest cellulose, the primary component of wood that they consume?
A. Termites rely on symbiotic protozoa and bacteria in their hindgut that break down cellulose into digestible
compounds [CORRECT]
B. Termites produce their own cellulase enzymes in the foregut to break down cellulose independently
C. Termites mechanically grind cellulose using powerful mandibles and absorb the resulting particles directly
Florida Termite + WDO Exam 2026/2027 | Page 3
, D. Termites cultivate fungi on wood particles that pre-digest cellulose before the termites consume it
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Termites digest cellulose through a mutualistic relationship with protozoa (in lower termites) and bacteria (in all termites) housed in
their hindgut. These symbionts produce cellulase enzymes that break down cellulose into acetate and other compounds the termite can absorb.
When termites molt, they lose their gut protozoa and must be re-inoculated through proctodeal trophallaxis from nestmates, a critical aspect of
termite biology for WDO professionals.
Q12. A WDO inspector examines a piece of damaged structural lumber removed from a home in West Palm Beach. The
wood has extensive galleries that follow the grain, with soil packed into many of the tunnels. Nearby, a second piece of
lumber from the same home shows galleries that are clean, without soil, and small piles of six-sided pellets have accumulated.
Which conclusion is most accurate based on FDACS Chapter 482 standards?
A. The soil-lined galleries indicate subterranean termite (Rhinotermitidae) activity, while the clean galleries with
pellets indicate drywood termite (Kalotermitidae) activity, meaning the structure has a dual infestation [CORRECT]
B. Both pieces show evidence of a single subterranean termite colony, as all termites in Florida produce soil-lined galleries
C. Both pieces show evidence of drywood termite activity, as all termite galleries are clean regardless of species
D. The soil-lined galleries indicate carpenter ant activity, while the clean galleries indicate a subterranean termite infestation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Subterranean termites (Rhinotermitidae) produce soil-lined galleries because they maintain contact with soil and use it in
constructing their tunnel systems. Drywood termites (Kalotermitidae) produce clean galleries without soil and expel six-sided fecal pellets
through kick-out holes. The presence of both evidence types in the same structure indicates a dual infestation requiring different treatment
approaches, which must be documented accurately on the FDACS WDO report.
Q13. Which of the following correctly describes the basic social structure and caste composition of a typical subterranean
termite colony?
A. A colony consists of a single reproductive queen only, with all other members being identical workers
B. A colony contains three primary castes: reproductives (king and queen, plus supplementary and alate
reproductives), soldiers, and workers [CORRECT]
C. A colony is organized with only two castes: reproductive alates that swarm and soldiers that defend the nest
D. A colony consists of independent foraging units with no central queen, similar to many ant species
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A mature subterranean termite colony contains three distinct castes: reproductives (the primary king and queen, supplementary
reproductives, and winged alates), soldiers (defensive caste), and workers (sterile foragers). This caste system is fundamental to understanding
colony biology and is essential knowledge for the FDACS WDO certification exam under Chapter 482.
Q14. During an inspection of a waterfront home in the Florida Keys, a WDO inspector encounters termite soldiers with a
distinctive pointed snout (nasus) on their heads rather than large, heavy mandibles. These soldiers are found infesting live
trees and structural wood near the coast. Which genus is most likely responsible?
A. Reticulitermes, which are the most common subterranean termites in mainland Florida
B. Cryptotermes, which are drywood termites with phragmotic (plug-like) soldier heads
C. Nasutitermes, whose soldiers have a nasus (pointed snout) used to secrete defensive chemicals and are common in
coastal and tropical areas of Florida [CORRECT]
D. Coptotermes, which are Formosan subterranean termites with large mandibular soldiers
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nasutitermes is a genus of higher termites whose soldiers possess a distinctive nasus, a pointed frontal projection used to squirt a
defensive chemical secretion at threats such as ants. Nasutitermes corniger is a notable species in southern Florida, commonly found infesting
structures and live trees in coastal areas. WDO inspectors should recognize this unique soldier morphology for accurate identification under
Chapter 482.
Q15. A pest control company in Hallandale Beach is called to inspect a severe termite infestation. The technician observes
extremely aggressive foraging activity, carton nest material built within wall voids above ground (not connected to soil), and
Florida Termite + WDO Exam 2026/2027 | Page 4
2026/2027 Questions and Verified Answers | 100% Correct | Grade A+
200 Questions | Aligned with FDACS Chapter 482 Standards
Based on Latest 2026/2027 Updated Florida WDO Examination Standards
Section 1: WDO Identification and Biology
(Termite Families, Species Identification, Caste Roles, and Distinguishing Features)
Q1. A licensed WDO inspector examines a residential structure in Jacksonville and discovers pencil-width tunnels running
vertically from the soil up the concrete block foundation and across an exposed wood sill plate. No fecal pellets are found
near the wood. Based on FDACS Chapter 482 guidelines, which termite family is most likely responsible for this activity?
A. Kalotermitidae, because they construct protective tubes to maintain humidity
B. Rhinotermitidae, because they require soil contact and build mud/shelter tubes to reach above-ground wood
[CORRECT]
C. Kalotermitidae, because they are the most common structural pest in northern Florida
D. Rhinotermitidae, because they produce six-sided fecal pellets as they tunnel through wood
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Subterranean termites (Family Rhinotermitidae) must maintain contact with the soil for moisture and build mud or shelter tubes to
protect themselves while foraging above ground. Under Chapter 482, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the presence
of mud tubes on foundations is a key indicator of subterranean termite activity. Kalotermitidae (drywood termites) do not build mud tubes and
live entirely within wood.
Q2. A homeowner in Miami reports finding small piles of hard, six-sided pellets accumulating on a windowsill beneath an
exposed wooden beam. The beam shows no visible soil or mud, and no shelter tubes are present on the exterior walls. Which
of the following is the most accurate identification of the pest?
A. Subterranean termites, because they expel soil particles as they tunnel through structural wood
B. Carpenter ants, because they push sawdust-like debris out of their nesting galleries
C. Drywood termites, because they produce six-sided fecal pellets and live entirely within wood without soil contact
[CORRECT]
D. Dampwood termites, because they leave six-sided pellets near moisture-damaged wood only
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Drywood termites (Family Kalotermitidae) live entirely within the wood they infest and expel six-sided fecal pellets through kick-out
holes. Unlike subterranean termites, they require no soil contact and do not produce mud tubes. The presence of six-sided pellets is diagnostic
for drywood termite activity under FDACS WDO inspection standards.
Q3. During a WDO inspection in Tampa, a pest control operator collects several winged insects found dead on a windowsill.
Under magnification, all four wings are of equal length, the antennae appear straight and bead-like, and the waist region is
broad without a distinct constriction. These insects are most likely:
A. Carpenter ant alates, because they have a broad waist and straight antennae
B. Drywood termite alates, because they possess four equal-length wings, straight bead-like antennae, and a broad
waist [CORRECT]
C. Subterranean termite alates, because they have a pinched waist and elbowed antennae
D. Flying ants, because all winged insects found on windowsills are ants
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Termite alates can be distinguished from ant alates by three key morphological features: equal-length wings (versus forewings
longer in ants), straight bead-like antennae (versus elbowed in ants), and a broad waist (versus a pinched petiole in ants). These identification
Florida Termite + WDO Exam 2026/2027
,criteria are fundamental for WDO inspectors operating under Chapter 482.
Q4. According to revised taxonomic classification adopted by entomologists and referenced in current WDO certification
materials, termites are now classified under which order?
A. Order Blattodea, placing termites within the same order as cockroaches based on molecular and morphological
evidence [CORRECT]
B. Order Isoptera, which has long been the standard classification for all termite species
C. Order Hymenoptera, because of their social colony structure similar to ants and bees
D. Order Orthoptera, because of their chewing mouthparts and hemimetabolous development
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Modern molecular systematics has demonstrated that termites are nested within the cockroach lineage, leading to their
reclassification from Order Isoptera to Order Blattodea (as the epifamily Termitoidae). WDO certification candidates should be aware of this
updated taxonomy as it reflects current scientific understanding referenced in FDACS examination materials.
Q5. A WDO inspector in Orlando finds extensive wood damage in a wall cavity. The damage consists of galleries packed with
soil and mud, and live workers are observed moving through the galleries. Which statement best describes the role of these
workers in the colony?
A. Workers defend the colony using their mandibles and chemical secretions against predators
B. Workers are the reproductive caste responsible for swarming and establishing new colonies
C. Workers are sterile, wingless individuals that forage for cellulose, feed the colony through trophallaxis, and are
responsible for all wood damage [CORRECT]
D. Workers produce six-sided fecal pellets and eject them through kick-out holes in the wood
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In termite colonies, the worker caste is responsible for all foraging, feeding, and wood damage. Workers are sterile and wingless,
and they feed other colony members through a process called trophallaxis. Under Chapter 482, understanding caste roles is essential for proper
identification and treatment recommendations in WDO inspections.
Q6. While performing an inspection of a commercial building in Pensacola, a technician opens a subterranean termite gallery
and observes soldiers intermingled with workers. The soldiers have enlarged, heavily sclerotized heads with large mandibles.
Which of the following correctly describes the function of the soldier caste?
A. Soldiers forage for cellulose material and excavate galleries throughout the infested structure
B. Soldiers are responsible for establishing new colonies during swarming season
C. Soldiers feed the reproductives and young through trophallaxis and construct shelter tubes
D. Soldiers defend the colony against predators but cannot feed themselves or cause wood damage [CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Termite soldiers are a specialized defensive caste with enlarged heads and mandibles (or a nasus in some species) designed to
protect the colony from predators, primarily ants. Soldiers cannot feed themselves and must be fed by workers through trophallaxis. They do
not cause wood damage, which is solely the role of workers, an important distinction for WDO inspectors under FDACS Chapter 482.
Q7. A homeowner in Fort Lauderdale calls a pest control company in April to report hundreds of winged insects swarming
from a nearby tree stump at dusk. The alates have equal-length wings, straight antennae, and a broad waist. They shed their
wings shortly after landing. What is the primary biological purpose of these winged reproductives?
A. To forage for new food sources and establish satellite feeding galleries away from the parent colony
B. To defend dispersing workers during colony relocation to a new structure
C. To reproduce and establish new colonies by dispersing from the parent colony, shedding wings after flight to pair
off and seek a suitable nesting site [CORRECT]
D. To produce cellulose-digesting protozoa that can be transferred to new colony members
Correct Answer: C
Florida Termite + WDO Exam 2026/2027 | Page 2
,Rationale: Winged termite reproductives (alates) are produced for dispersal and colony founding. After a nuptial flight, they shed their wings,
pair off as king and queen, and seek a suitable location to start a new colony. This swarming behavior is a critical life cycle event that WDO
inspectors must understand to properly advise homeowners under Chapter 482 guidelines.
Q8. During a routine WDO inspection of an attic in Sarasota, an inspector notices small, round openings (approximately 1-2
mm) in the surface of structural roof timbers and a small accumulation of granular, six-sided pellets on the attic floor directly
beneath these openings. The wood itself sounds hollow when tapped. What do these findings most strongly indicate?
A. Active subterranean termite infestation, as indicated by soil particles falling from the damaged wood
B. Carpenter bee activity, evidenced by round exit holes and wood debris on the floor below
C. Powderpost beetle infestation, confirmed by the presence of fine frass and round emergence holes
D. Active drywood termite infestation, as evidenced by kick-out holes and the accumulation of six-sided fecal pellets
[CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Drywood termites create small kick-out holes to expel their six-sided fecal pellets, which accumulate below the infested wood. Unlike
powderpost beetle frass, drywood termite pellets are distinctly six-sided and hard. Under FDACS Chapter 482 WDO reporting standards,
kick-out holes with associated pellets are a primary indicator of drywood termite activity.
Q9. A pest management professional in Gainesville is inspecting a crawl space and finds earthen shelter tubes approximately
one-quarter inch in diameter running from the soil up the concrete foundation wall to the floor joists above. Breaking open
the tubes reveals white, soft-bodied insects. Which family of termites constructs these shelter tubes and why?
A. Kalotermitidae, because drywood termites build earthen tubes to connect separate infestation points within a structure
B. Rhinotermitidae, because subterranean termites build shelter tubes to maintain moisture and protect themselves
from desiccation and predators while traveling between soil and wood [CORRECT]
C. Kalotermitidae, because they require high humidity and use tubes to conserve moisture within the wood
D. Rhinotermitidae, because they use shelter tubes exclusively for reproductive dispersal during swarming season
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Subterranean termites (Family Rhinotermitidae) are highly susceptible to desiccation and build shelter or mud tubes to maintain the
high humidity they need to survive above ground. These tubes also provide protection from predators. Drywood termites (Kalotermitidae) do
not construct mud tubes, a key diagnostic difference for WDO inspectors under FDACS regulations.
Q10. In Florida, which of the following statements most accurately describes the typical swarming seasons for the most
common subterranean and drywood termite species?
A. Eastern subterranean termites typically swarm in summer, while drywood termites swarm exclusively in winter months
B. Both subterranean and drywood termites in Florida swarm only during the hottest months of July and August
C. Florida termites do not follow seasonal swarming patterns; swarms can occur at any time of year with equal frequency
D. Eastern subterranean termites typically swarm from February through May, while drywood termites (e.g., West
Indian drywood termite) commonly swarm from April through June and again in September through November
[CORRECT]
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In Florida, Eastern subterranean termites (Reticulitermes flavipes) typically swarm from February through May, often triggered by
warm, humid conditions after rain. Drywood termites such as the West Indian drywood termite (Cryptotermes brevis) commonly swarm in two
peak periods: April through June and September through November. WDO inspectors must know these seasonal patterns to accurately identify
swarming events under Chapter 482.
Q11. How do termites digest cellulose, the primary component of wood that they consume?
A. Termites rely on symbiotic protozoa and bacteria in their hindgut that break down cellulose into digestible
compounds [CORRECT]
B. Termites produce their own cellulase enzymes in the foregut to break down cellulose independently
C. Termites mechanically grind cellulose using powerful mandibles and absorb the resulting particles directly
Florida Termite + WDO Exam 2026/2027 | Page 3
, D. Termites cultivate fungi on wood particles that pre-digest cellulose before the termites consume it
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Termites digest cellulose through a mutualistic relationship with protozoa (in lower termites) and bacteria (in all termites) housed in
their hindgut. These symbionts produce cellulase enzymes that break down cellulose into acetate and other compounds the termite can absorb.
When termites molt, they lose their gut protozoa and must be re-inoculated through proctodeal trophallaxis from nestmates, a critical aspect of
termite biology for WDO professionals.
Q12. A WDO inspector examines a piece of damaged structural lumber removed from a home in West Palm Beach. The
wood has extensive galleries that follow the grain, with soil packed into many of the tunnels. Nearby, a second piece of
lumber from the same home shows galleries that are clean, without soil, and small piles of six-sided pellets have accumulated.
Which conclusion is most accurate based on FDACS Chapter 482 standards?
A. The soil-lined galleries indicate subterranean termite (Rhinotermitidae) activity, while the clean galleries with
pellets indicate drywood termite (Kalotermitidae) activity, meaning the structure has a dual infestation [CORRECT]
B. Both pieces show evidence of a single subterranean termite colony, as all termites in Florida produce soil-lined galleries
C. Both pieces show evidence of drywood termite activity, as all termite galleries are clean regardless of species
D. The soil-lined galleries indicate carpenter ant activity, while the clean galleries indicate a subterranean termite infestation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Subterranean termites (Rhinotermitidae) produce soil-lined galleries because they maintain contact with soil and use it in
constructing their tunnel systems. Drywood termites (Kalotermitidae) produce clean galleries without soil and expel six-sided fecal pellets
through kick-out holes. The presence of both evidence types in the same structure indicates a dual infestation requiring different treatment
approaches, which must be documented accurately on the FDACS WDO report.
Q13. Which of the following correctly describes the basic social structure and caste composition of a typical subterranean
termite colony?
A. A colony consists of a single reproductive queen only, with all other members being identical workers
B. A colony contains three primary castes: reproductives (king and queen, plus supplementary and alate
reproductives), soldiers, and workers [CORRECT]
C. A colony is organized with only two castes: reproductive alates that swarm and soldiers that defend the nest
D. A colony consists of independent foraging units with no central queen, similar to many ant species
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A mature subterranean termite colony contains three distinct castes: reproductives (the primary king and queen, supplementary
reproductives, and winged alates), soldiers (defensive caste), and workers (sterile foragers). This caste system is fundamental to understanding
colony biology and is essential knowledge for the FDACS WDO certification exam under Chapter 482.
Q14. During an inspection of a waterfront home in the Florida Keys, a WDO inspector encounters termite soldiers with a
distinctive pointed snout (nasus) on their heads rather than large, heavy mandibles. These soldiers are found infesting live
trees and structural wood near the coast. Which genus is most likely responsible?
A. Reticulitermes, which are the most common subterranean termites in mainland Florida
B. Cryptotermes, which are drywood termites with phragmotic (plug-like) soldier heads
C. Nasutitermes, whose soldiers have a nasus (pointed snout) used to secrete defensive chemicals and are common in
coastal and tropical areas of Florida [CORRECT]
D. Coptotermes, which are Formosan subterranean termites with large mandibular soldiers
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nasutitermes is a genus of higher termites whose soldiers possess a distinctive nasus, a pointed frontal projection used to squirt a
defensive chemical secretion at threats such as ants. Nasutitermes corniger is a notable species in southern Florida, commonly found infesting
structures and live trees in coastal areas. WDO inspectors should recognize this unique soldier morphology for accurate identification under
Chapter 482.
Q15. A pest control company in Hallandale Beach is called to inspect a severe termite infestation. The technician observes
extremely aggressive foraging activity, carton nest material built within wall voids above ground (not connected to soil), and
Florida Termite + WDO Exam 2026/2027 | Page 4
