Florida WDO (Termite) Exam key terms

A termite species that nests in soil and reaches wood through mud tubes, requiring ground contact or a moisture bridge. Florida's most damaging structural termites belong to this group.

A termite that lives entirely inside dry wood with no soil contact, pushing fecal pellets out through small kick-out holes. Common in South Florida coastal structures.

A termite that attacks very moist, often decaying wood and usually needs no soil connection. Structural problems are rare and typically follow a leak.

The winged reproductive caste of a termite colony, produced for dispersal flights. Alates shed their wings after swarming, leaving detached wings as an inspection clue.

A synchronized flight of winged reproductives, usually after rain in warm months, to found new colonies. Swarming indoors or winged insects emerging from wood indicate an active infestation.

Detached, translucent termite wings left behind after swarmers drop them. Finding many identical wings on a windowsill or floor is strong evidence of termite activity.

A shelter tube of soil, saliva, and fecal material that subterranean termites build to keep their bodies moist while traveling above ground to wood.

Termite fecal material. Drywood termites produce hard, six-sided pellets pushed from kick-out holes; subterranean termites use softer material in tubes and galleries.

A small opening, roughly pinhead to matchstick size, that drywood termites make in wood or paint to expel fecal pellets. Pellets accumulating below it signal an infestation.

The social unit of termites, including workers, soldiers, and reproductives, that shares a nest and food source. Colony elimination, not just killing visible insects, is the treatment goal.

Termites specialized for egg production, including the primary king and queen plus secondary reproductives. Secondary reproductives can keep a colony breeding after the primary queen is removed.

A colony member with an enlarged head and large mandibles that defends the nest. Soldiers are less numerous than workers and are not the caste that damages wood.

The blind, pale caste that eats wood, builds tubes, and feeds the colony. Workers cause all structural damage and are typically the caste found in galleries.

A tunnel chewed through wood or soil by termites. Drywood galleries are clean and smooth; subterranean galleries are often lined with soil and mud.

Termite antennae are straight and bead-like, while ant antennae are elbowed. Combined with a broad waist versus a pinched waist, this separates swarmers in the field.

Any organism that damages wood, including termites, wood-decay fungi, beetles, and carpenter ants. Florida inspection reports must disclose evidence of all WDOs, not just termites.

An insect that destroys wood, such as termites, carpenter ants, or wood-boring beetles. The narrower term used on inspection forms that address insects only.

The standard wood-destroying insect report form used in Florida real estate transactions. It records inspection findings, areas inspected, and any treatment recommendations or warranties.

The written record of a WDO inspection, listing visible evidence, inaccessible areas, and conditions conducive to infestation. It must be accurate and signed by the licensee.

A site condition that favors termite attack, such as wood-to-soil contact, poor drainage, or cellulose debris under a structure. Inspectors must report these even when no termites are found.

Any wood that touches soil, giving subterranean termites a direct route into a structure. Common examples are siding near grade, deck posts, and form boards left in place.

A part of the structure the inspector cannot examine, such as a sealed crawlspace or a wall void. The report must identify these areas so the client understands inspection limits.

A continuous treated zone of termiticide applied to soil around and under a structure to stop subterranean termites. Label directions and application rates govern how it is placed.

A pre- or post-construction method that digs a trench along the foundation and injects termiticide into soil at specified spacing and depth. Volume applied is tracked against label rates.

A monitored station holding a cellulose bait that attracts termites and delivers a slow-acting toxicant. Stations are checked on a schedule and replaced as label directions require.

Scheduled checking of bait or monitoring stations for termite activity, with findings recorded. Monitoring supports treatment decisions and documents warranty compliance.

Sealing a structure and filling it with a lethal gas to kill drywood termites throughout the wood. Occupants must vacate, and re-entry requires clearance under label directions.

The required warning posted on a structure before and during fumigation, stating the agent, the dates, and that the building is unsafe to enter.

A treatment intended to protect an entire building, such as a soil barrier, bait system, or fumigation. It differs from spot treatments limited to known infestation sites.

A localized application, such as injecting foam or dust into galleries, that addresses a specific infestation without treating the whole structure. Often used for drywood termites.

A document given to the customer after treatment that identifies the pesticide used, the areas treated, and any warranty or re-treatment terms offered.

The periodic extension of a termite warranty, usually conditioned on required inspections and payment. Missing a renewal inspection can void coverage.

Florida's structural pest control statute, which licenses pest control businesses and operators and sets requirements for contracts, records, and discipline.

The Department of Agriculture rules implementing Chapter 482, covering licensing, examinations, treatment standards, and WDO inspection requirements.

The individual licensed to direct a pest control business and responsible for its operations under Florida law. The business itself must also hold a license.

The credential issued to licensed pest control personnel, which must be carried and shown when performing pest control work. It identifies the holder and license type.