Virginia Category 5b — Wood-
Destroying Organisms Pest Control
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
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1. Which organism is most commonly responsible for structural wood
damage in homes?
A. Carpenter bees
B. Termites
C. Antlions
D. Millipedes
Answer: B. Termites
Rationale: Termites are the primary wood-destroying insects causing
significant structural damage by feeding on cellulose in wood.
,2. Subterranean termites typically require what condition to survive?
A. Direct sunlight
B. Constant moisture source
C. Frozen soil
D. Dry wood only
Answer: B. Constant moisture source
Rationale: Subterranean termites depend on soil moisture to survive
and maintain colony humidity.
3. Drywood termites differ from subterranean termites because they:
A. Require soil contact
B. Live only in water
C. Do not require soil contact
D. Eat only leaves
Answer: C. Do not require soil contact
Rationale: Drywood termites live entirely within dry wood and do not
need soil contact.
4. Which sign is most indicative of termite infestation?
A. Webbing in corners
B. Mud tubes on walls
C. Chewed plant leaves
D. Bird nests
Answer: B. Mud tubes on walls
, Rationale: Mud tubes are constructed by subterranean termites for
moisture and protection while traveling.
5. Termites primarily feed on:
A. Plastic
B. Metal
C. Cellulose
D. Glass
Answer: C. Cellulose
Rationale: Cellulose in wood and plant material is the primary food
source for termites.
6. Which tool is commonly used for termite inspection?
A. Stethoscope
B. Moisture meter
C. Thermometer
D. Barometer
Answer: B. Moisture meter
Rationale: Moisture meters help detect conditions favorable to
termite activity.
7. Carpenter ants primarily damage wood by:
A. Eating it
B. Tunneling for nesting
C. Burning it
D. Freezing it
, Answer: B. Tunneling for nesting
Rationale: Carpenter ants excavate wood to create nests but do not
consume it.
8. Powderpost beetles are most associated with:
A. Concrete damage
B. Hardwood damage
C. Soil erosion
D. Fabric destruction
Answer: B. Hardwood damage
Rationale: Powderpost beetles infest and reduce hardwood to
powder-like frass.
9. A key factor attracting wood-destroying organisms is:
A. Low humidity
B. Moisture
C. Bright light
D. Noise
Answer: B. Moisture
Rationale: Moisture creates favorable conditions for most wood-
destroying organisms.
10. Which is NOT a termite control method?
A. Soil treatment
B. Baiting systems
C. Wood replacement
Destroying Organisms Pest Control
Exam Practice Questions And Correct
Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. Which organism is most commonly responsible for structural wood
damage in homes?
A. Carpenter bees
B. Termites
C. Antlions
D. Millipedes
Answer: B. Termites
Rationale: Termites are the primary wood-destroying insects causing
significant structural damage by feeding on cellulose in wood.
,2. Subterranean termites typically require what condition to survive?
A. Direct sunlight
B. Constant moisture source
C. Frozen soil
D. Dry wood only
Answer: B. Constant moisture source
Rationale: Subterranean termites depend on soil moisture to survive
and maintain colony humidity.
3. Drywood termites differ from subterranean termites because they:
A. Require soil contact
B. Live only in water
C. Do not require soil contact
D. Eat only leaves
Answer: C. Do not require soil contact
Rationale: Drywood termites live entirely within dry wood and do not
need soil contact.
4. Which sign is most indicative of termite infestation?
A. Webbing in corners
B. Mud tubes on walls
C. Chewed plant leaves
D. Bird nests
Answer: B. Mud tubes on walls
, Rationale: Mud tubes are constructed by subterranean termites for
moisture and protection while traveling.
5. Termites primarily feed on:
A. Plastic
B. Metal
C. Cellulose
D. Glass
Answer: C. Cellulose
Rationale: Cellulose in wood and plant material is the primary food
source for termites.
6. Which tool is commonly used for termite inspection?
A. Stethoscope
B. Moisture meter
C. Thermometer
D. Barometer
Answer: B. Moisture meter
Rationale: Moisture meters help detect conditions favorable to
termite activity.
7. Carpenter ants primarily damage wood by:
A. Eating it
B. Tunneling for nesting
C. Burning it
D. Freezing it
, Answer: B. Tunneling for nesting
Rationale: Carpenter ants excavate wood to create nests but do not
consume it.
8. Powderpost beetles are most associated with:
A. Concrete damage
B. Hardwood damage
C. Soil erosion
D. Fabric destruction
Answer: B. Hardwood damage
Rationale: Powderpost beetles infest and reduce hardwood to
powder-like frass.
9. A key factor attracting wood-destroying organisms is:
A. Low humidity
B. Moisture
C. Bright light
D. Noise
Answer: B. Moisture
Rationale: Moisture creates favorable conditions for most wood-
destroying organisms.
10. Which is NOT a termite control method?
A. Soil treatment
B. Baiting systems
C. Wood replacement