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Florida WDO (Termite) Exam study materials
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Florida WDO (Termite) Exam practice questions

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Question 1Termite biology and identification

A homeowner in Miami reports small, dry, brown fecal pellets that look like sawdust accumulating beneath a wooden window frame. Which pest is most consistent with this evidence?

  1. Eastern subterranean termite
  2. Subterranean termite
  3. Formosan subterranean termite
  4. Drywood termite Correct answer.

Explanation

Drywood termites push their fecal pellets, called frass, out of small kick-out holes, and the pellets are hard, dry, and seed-like. Subterranean termites use their feces to build carton and gallery material and do not produce loose dry pellet piles. The pellet shape and the absence of mud tubes point to a drywood species.

Question 2Termite biology and identification

Which termite caste is responsible for chewing the wood and excavating galleries in a colony?

  1. Soldiers
  2. Reproductives
  3. Alates
  4. Workers Correct answer.

Explanation

Workers are the caste that consumes wood, tunnels through it, and performs most colony labor, including feeding other castes. Soldiers defend the colony but cannot feed themselves and rely on workers. Reproductives and alates are involved in reproduction and dispersal rather than excavation.

Question 3Termite biology and identification

A termite alate collected from a swarm has antennae that are straight and bead-like, with no elbow bend. To which group does this alate most likely belong?

  1. Carpenter ant
  2. Ghost ant
  3. Termite Correct answer.
  4. Fire ant

Explanation

Termite antennae are straight, beaded, and moniliform, while ants have distinctly elbowed antennae. The straight beaded antennae therefore support a termite identification. Wing characteristics and body shape would be used to confirm the species.

Question 4Termite biology and identification

What is the primary role of the soldier caste in a termite colony?

  1. Digesting cellulose for the colony
  2. Laying eggs to expand the colony
  3. Defending the colony against predators and intruders Correct answer.
  4. Dispersing to found new colonies

Explanation

Soldiers have enlarged mandibles or chemical defenses and exist to defend the colony from ants, other termites, and predators. They cannot chew wood effectively and are fed by workers. Reproduction and dispersal are handled by reproductives and alates.

Question 5Termite biology and identification

Which feature distinguishes a termite from an ant when examining a specimen under magnification?

  1. Termites have elbowed antennae
  2. Termites have four wings of unequal size
  3. Termites have a broad waist joining thorax and abdomen Correct answer.
  4. Termites have a pinched, narrow waist

Explanation

Termites have a broad, thick waist because the thorax and abdomen join widely, whereas ants have a narrow constricted waist. This body-shape difference is one of the most reliable field separations. Antennae and wing characteristics provide supporting evidence.

Question 6Termite biology and identification

A termite inspector finds mud tubes running up a foundation wall. Which termite group do these tubes most strongly indicate?

  1. Dampwood termites
  2. Subterranean termites Correct answer.
  3. Powderpost beetles
  4. Drywood termites

Explanation

Subterranean termites build protective mud tubes from soil to wood to maintain moisture and shelter while foraging above ground. Drywood termites live inside wood and do not construct soil-based tubes. Dampwood termites require very wet wood but do not build the same shelter tubes.

Question 7Termite biology and identification

During a swarm, which termite caste emerges from the colony to disperse and establish new colonies?

  1. Soldiers
  2. Workers
  3. Nymphs
  4. Alates Correct answer.

Explanation

Alates, also called swarmers or reproductives, are the winged caste that leaves the colony to mate and found new colonies. Workers and soldiers are wingless and remain in the colony. Nymphs are immature stages that develop into other castes.

Question 8Termite biology and identification

A homeowner in Florida notices a swarm of small, pale-bodied winged insects emerging indoors in spring. What does an indoor swarm most likely indicate?

  1. The insects are harmless and unrelated to the structure
  2. Termites are migrating from a distant forest
  3. A colony is already established within or adjacent to the structure Correct answer.
  4. The swarm indicates only a temporary weather event

Explanation

When alates emerge inside a structure, it usually means a mature colony already exists within or immediately adjacent to the building. Swarmers do not travel long distances to emerge indoors. This makes an indoor swarm a strong signal for inspection and possible treatment.

Question 9Termite biology and identification

Which termite species is known for building large carton nests and can cause extensive damage in a relatively short period in Florida?

  1. Eastern subterranean termite
  2. Formosan subterranean termite Correct answer.
  3. Drywood termite
  4. Dampwood termite

Explanation

The Formosan subterranean termite builds carton nests, has very large colonies, and can cause severe structural damage quickly. It is a major concern in parts of the southeastern United States. Other species build smaller colonies or do not form carton nests.

Question 10Termite biology and identification

An inspector probes a wooden beam and finds galleries that follow the grain and contain loose, dry, seed-like pellets with no mud. Which conclusion is most supported?

  1. Subterranean termite activity
  2. Drywood termite activity Correct answer.
  3. Carpenter ant nesting
  4. Fungal decay only

Explanation

Galleries following the grain with loose dry pellets and no mud are typical of drywood termites, which live entirely within wood. Subterranean termites would leave mud and moist carton material. Carpenter ants excavate clean smooth galleries without pellet piles.

Question 11Termite biology and identification

Which environmental condition most favors subterranean termite foraging and survival?

  1. Wood kept above 50 percent moisture content only
  2. Freezing winter temperatures
  3. Moist soil and wood with a reliable water source Correct answer.
  4. Very dry, well-drained sandy soil with full sun exposure

Explanation

Subterranean termites require moisture and typically forage from soil to wood, so damp soil and moist wood favor them. They build tubes to conserve moisture and avoid drying out. Dry, exposed conditions reduce their activity.

Question 12Termite biology and identification

A swarm of alates is found, and the wings are all the same size and length with few veins. This wing characteristic is most useful for distinguishing termites from which other insect group?

  1. Silverfish
  2. Booklice
  3. Ants Correct answer.
  4. Earwigs

Explanation

Termite alates have four wings of equal size and length, while ants have forewings and hindwings of unequal size. The equal-wing trait is a classic field separation between termites and ants. Other insects do not share this comparison as closely.

Question 13Termite biology and identification

Which statement best describes the relationship between termites and their gut symbionts?

  1. Termites digest cellulose without any microbial help
  2. Termites absorb nutrients only through their exoskeleton
  3. Termites feed exclusively on fungi grown outside the colony
  4. Termites rely on gut protozoa and bacteria to break down cellulose Correct answer.

Explanation

Lower termites depend on gut protozoa and bacteria to digest cellulose, while some higher termites rely more on bacteria and fungi. The microbial community converts cellulose into usable nutrients. This symbiosis is central to termite biology and feeding behavior.

Question 14Termite biology and identification

A termite inspector finds a shelter tube that is broken open. What does this indicate about termite behavior?

  1. The tube was built by drywood termites
  2. The termites will repair the tube to maintain protected access Correct answer.
  3. The termites have permanently abandoned the area
  4. The tube is a reproductive structure

Explanation

Subterranean termites quickly repair damaged shelter tubes because the tubes protect them from drying out and predators. A broken tube therefore does not mean the colony has left. Inspectors often use this behavior to confirm active infestation.

Question 15Termite biology and identification

Which characteristic most reliably separates dampwood termites from drywood termites in the field?

  1. Dampwood termites build mud tubes to soil
  2. Dampwood termites require wood with high moisture content Correct answer.
  3. Dampwood termites have elbowed antennae
  4. Dampwood termites produce dry pellet piles

Explanation

Dampwood termites require wood with high moisture content and are typically found in wet or decaying wood. Drywood termites can infest relatively dry wood and do not need high moisture. This moisture requirement is the key field distinction.

Question 16Termite biology and identification

An inspector observes a termite with very large, dark mandibles and a rectangular head. Which caste is this most likely?

  1. Queen
  2. Alate
  3. Soldier Correct answer.
  4. Worker

Explanation

Soldiers are recognized by their enlarged mandibles and often rectangular or elongated heads used in defense. Workers have smaller, less specialized heads and no large mandibles. Alates have wings and reproductive structures, and queens have enlarged abdomens.

Question 17Termite biology and identification

A homeowner reports finding discarded wings near a window sill. What is the significance of discarded wings in termite identification?

  1. Termites shed wings only when they are dying
  2. Termites shed wings to build nests
  3. Termites shed wings after swarming and mating Correct answer.
  4. Termites shed wings when they molt into workers

Explanation

After swarming and mating, alates shed their wings, which often accumulate near windows, doors, and light sources. Finding discarded wings indoors can indicate a recent swarm and possible colony establishment. This is a common inspection clue.

Question 18Termite biology and identification

Which termite species is native to the southeastern United States and commonly infests structures from soil contact?

  1. Western drywood termite
  2. Eastern subterranean termite Correct answer.
  3. Formosan subterranean termite
  4. Asian subterranean termite

Explanation

The eastern subterranean termite is native to the eastern and southeastern United States and is a common structural pest that requires soil contact. The Formosan and Asian subterranean termites are introduced species, and the western drywood termite is a drywood species.

Question 19Termite biology and identification

A termite colony's workers are observed feeding on wood, and the soldier ratio in the colony is relatively low. What does a low soldier proportion generally suggest?

  1. A colony that is about to swarm
  2. A healthy, established colony of a typical species
  3. A colony of a species with a naturally low soldier ratio Correct answer.
  4. A colony that has no queen

Explanation

Soldier proportions vary by species, and some species naturally maintain lower soldier ratios than others. A low proportion alone does not indicate colony health or imminent swarming. Species-specific biology must be considered when interpreting caste ratios.

Question 20Termite biology and identification

Which feature would most help an inspector distinguish subterranean termite damage from drywood termite damage?

  1. Presence of fine powdery frass
  2. Presence of exit holes on the wood surface
  3. Presence of smooth, polished galleries
  4. Presence of mud and carton in the galleries Correct answer.

Explanation

Subterranean termites deposit mud and carton material in their galleries, which helps distinguish their damage from that of drywood termites. Drywood termites excavate clean galleries and push pellets out through kick-out holes. The mud presence is a key diagnostic feature.

Question 21Termite biology and identification

An inspector suspects a drywood termite infestation but finds no pellets. What is the most reasonable interpretation?

  1. Drywood termites never produce pellets
  2. The absence of pellets confirms subterranean termites
  3. Pellets may be retained in the galleries until the colony expands Correct answer.
  4. Drywood termites always produce visible pellets immediately

Explanation

Drywood termites may retain pellets within their galleries and only push them out through kick-out holes as the colony grows. Absence of visible pellets does not rule out an infestation. Inspectors should look for other signs such as kick-out holes and gallery damage.

Question 22Termite biology and identification

Which combination of features best identifies a Formosan subterranean termite alate?

  1. Dark body with elbowed antennae and unequal wings
  2. Wingless body with large mandibles
  3. Green body with long legs and narrow waist
  4. Pale body with straight antennae and equal wings, plus a yellowish body and large swarm size Correct answer.

Explanation

Formosan subterranean termite alates are termites, so they have straight antennae, equal wings, and a broad waist. They are also notable for their yellowish body color and very large swarms. Combining termite traits with body color and swarm size supports identification.

Question 23Termite biology and identification

A structure has active subterranean termites, and the inspector notes that the infestation appears to originate from a soil contact point. Why is soil contact significant?

  1. Soil contact indicates the colony is dead
  2. Subterranean termites need soil moisture and often build tubes from soil to wood Correct answer.
  3. Soil contact prevents termites from feeding
  4. Drywood termites require soil contact to survive

Explanation

Subterranean termites depend on moisture and typically maintain contact with soil, building tubes to reach wood above ground. This is why soil contact points are critical inspection areas. Eliminating soil-to-wood contact is a common preventive strategy.

Question 24Termite biology and identification

An inspector finds termite galleries that contain both mud and dry pellets in the same piece of wood. What is the most likely explanation?

  1. A single drywood colony produces both mud and pellets
  2. Mud always turns into pellets over time
  3. Two different termite groups may be active in the same area Correct answer.
  4. The pellets are unrelated to termites

Explanation

Mud is associated with subterranean termites, while dry pellets are associated with drywood termites, so finding both can suggest two separate infestations. A single colony does not typically produce both types of evidence. The inspector should evaluate each sign separately.

Question 25Termite biology and identification

Which biological trait of termites most directly explains why they can cause structural damage without being seen?

  1. They live and feed inside wood or concealed galleries Correct answer.
  2. They avoid moist environments
  3. They feed on the surface of wood only
  4. They are active only at night

Explanation

Termites live and feed within wood or concealed galleries, so damage can progress internally without visible surface evidence. This cryptic behavior is why inspections probe and sound wood. It also explains why damage is often discovered late.

Question 26Termite biology and identification

A termite inspector in Florida examines a reproductive termite and notes that its body is dark brown to black and its wings are densely covered with fine hairs. Which termite does this most likely indicate?

  1. Southeastern drywood termite alate
  2. Formosan subterranean termite alate Correct answer.
  3. Eastern subterranean termite alate
  4. Florida dampwood termite alate

Explanation

Formosan subterranean termite alates are characteristically dark-bodied and their wings are densely hairy, giving them a fuzzy appearance under magnification. Eastern subterranean alates are also dark but have sparsely hairy wings, so the dense wing hairs are the deciding field character.

Question 27Termite biology and identification

Which body region of a termite is broad and joined to the abdomen without a narrow waist, a feature that separates termites from ants?

  1. The gaster, which is constricted behind the thorax
  2. The abdomen, which is separated by a pinched waist
  3. The thorax, which is broadly joined to the abdomen Correct answer.
  4. The head, which is fused to the thorax

Explanation

Termites have a broad connection between the thorax and abdomen, whereas ants have a distinctly pinched or constricted waist. This broad join, along with bead-like antennae, is a fundamental separation character in the field.

Question 28Termite biology and identification

An inspector finds a termite with a fontanelle, a small opening on the front of the head that can exude a defensive secretion. In which group is this structure most characteristic?

  1. Termitids of the family Termitidae
  2. Subterranean termites of the family Rhinotermitidae Correct answer.
  3. Drywood termites of the family Kalotermitidae
  4. Dampwood termites of the family Termopsidae

Explanation

Soldiers of the Rhinotermitidae, which includes the subterranean termites, possess a fontanelle used to release defensive chemicals. This is a recognized family-level character used in identification.

Question 29Termite biology and identification

During an inspection, an inspector notes that the termites have yellowish bodies and the soldiers have mandibles that curve inward without visible teeth. Which identification is most consistent?

  1. West Indian drywood termite
  2. Florida drywood termite
  3. Formosan subterranean termite Correct answer.
  4. Eastern subterranean termite

Explanation

Formosan subterranean termite soldiers have curved mandibles that lack the pronounced teeth seen on eastern subterranean soldiers. The yellowish body color also fits Formosan workers and soldiers.

Question 30Termite biology and identification

Which termite life stage is responsible for the actual feeding damage to wood and for caring for the young and the queen?

  1. The alate
  2. The soldier
  3. The primary reproductive
  4. The worker Correct answer.

Explanation

Workers are the blind, pale caste that excavates wood, feeds the colony, and tends the brood and reproductives. Soldiers defend, alates disperse, and reproductives lay eggs, so the worker is the damaging caste.

Question 31Termite biology and identification

An inspector finds a winged termite with wings that are much longer than the body and that break off cleanly at a basal suture. What does this indicate?

  1. The insect is a soldier that has shed its wings
  2. The insect is a reproductive ant that has lost its wings
  3. The insect is a termite alate that has not yet dropped its wings Correct answer.
  4. The insect is a worker that has developed wings

Explanation

Termite alates have wings that extend well beyond the body and detach along a basal suture after the dispersal flight. Ant reproductives have wings shorter than or similar to the body and do not shed them in this clean manner.

Question 32Termite biology and identification

A homeowner reports small, pale, wingless insects with a broad waist found inside a piece of furniture. Which step best confirms whether these are termites rather than ants?

  1. Check whether the insects are found indoors
  2. Check for the presence of compound eyes and a distinct head
  3. Check whether the insects have chewing mouthparts
  4. Check the antennae for a bead-like shape and the waist for a broad join Correct answer.

Explanation

Bead-like antennae and a broad thorax-abdomen join are the practical field characters that separate termites from ants. The other features listed are shared by both groups or are not diagnostic.

Question 33Termite biology and identification

Which termite group requires the highest moisture content in its wood and is therefore most often found in wood that is decayed and in contact with soil or water?

  1. Subterranean termites
  2. Powderpost beetles
  3. Dampwood termites Correct answer.
  4. Drywood termites

Explanation

Dampwood termites require high wood moisture and typically infest decaying wood in contact with soil or moisture. Drywood termites need much less moisture, and subterranean termites build shelter from soil rather than requiring saturated wood.

Question 34Termite biology and identification

An inspector finds a termite colony with no soil connection and with pellets that are hard, uniform, and have six concave surfaces. Which termite is indicated?

  1. A drywood termite such as Cryptotermes Correct answer.
  2. A subterranean termite such as Reticulitermes
  3. A Formosan subterranean termite
  4. A dampwood termite such as Zootermopsis

Explanation

Drywood termites produce hard, uniform fecal pellets with six concave surfaces and can establish colonies without soil contact. Subterranean and dampwood termites do not produce this distinctive pellet type.

Question 35Termite biology and identification

Which feature of termite biology allows a colony to survive when the primary reproductives are removed?

  1. The ability of workers or nymphs to develop into secondary reproductives Correct answer.
  2. The ability of soldiers to lay eggs
  3. The ability of alates to return to the nest and lay eggs
  4. The ability of the queen to clone herself

Explanation

Termites can produce supplementary or secondary reproductives from nymphs or workers, allowing colony persistence after loss of the primaries. Soldiers and alates do not serve this function in the same way.

Question 36Termite biology and identification

An inspector finds a termite with a large, dark, rectangular head and prominent mandibles, and notes that it is blind. Which caste is this?

  1. Alate
  2. Worker
  3. Queen
  4. Soldier Correct answer.

Explanation

The soldier caste is blind and has an enlarged, heavily sclerotized head with large mandibles used in defense. Workers are pale and unsclerotized, alates have wings and eyes, and the queen is a large reproductive.

Question 37Termite biology and identification

Which statement best describes how subterranean termites locate food in a structure?

  1. Soldiers tunnel through the soil to locate new wood sources
  2. Foragers build shelter tubes and explore soil and wood, following moisture and chemical cues Correct answer.
  3. The queen leaves the colony to find new food sources
  4. Alates fly directly into the wood and begin feeding immediately

Explanation

Subterranean termite workers forage through soil and build shelter tubes that protect them from drying out. They follow moisture gradients and chemical cues rather than relying on alates or soldiers for foraging.

Question 38Termite biology and identification

An inspector finds a termite that is pale and wingless with a soft body and no visible eyes. Which caste is this most likely?

  1. Worker Correct answer.
  2. Supplementary reproductive
  3. Soldier
  4. Alate

Explanation

Workers are pale, soft-bodied, blind, and wingless, which distinguishes them from soldiers with their large heads and from reproductives. Supplementary reproductives may be pale but show reproductive structures.

Question 39Termite biology and identification

Which termite species is known for building carton nests and for having a very large colony that can cause extensive damage quickly in Florida?

  1. West Indian drywood termite
  2. Formosan subterranean termite Correct answer.
  3. Florida drywood termite
  4. Eastern subterranean termite

Explanation

The Formosan subterranean termite is known for large colonies and carton nest construction, and it can cause severe damage in a short time. The other species listed do not build the same carton structures or reach comparable colony sizes.

Question 40Termite biology and identification

An inspector finds termite damage in a structural beam and notes that the galleries follow the grain and contain loose, dry, seed-like pellets. Which group does this most strongly indicate?

  1. Dampwood termites
  2. Subterranean termites
  3. Carpenter ants
  4. Drywood termites Correct answer.

Explanation

Drywood termite galleries contain loose, dry, seed-like pellets and often follow the grain of the wood. Subterranean termites build mud-lined galleries, and carpenter ants excavate clean galleries without pellets.

Question 41Termite biology and identification

Which feature of termite anatomy most directly explains why termites can damage wood while remaining hidden from view?

  1. They have hard exoskeletons that protect them from pesticides
  2. They have large compound eyes that help them avoid light
  3. They are small, cryptic, and live inside wood or soil galleries Correct answer.
  4. They have wings that allow them to fly away when disturbed

Explanation

Termites are small and live within wood or soil galleries, so their feeding and movement are concealed from casual observation. Their eyes are reduced or absent, and their wings are present only in the alate stage.

Question 42Termite biology and identification

A homeowner finds a swarm of winged insects emerging from a window frame in May. The insects have a broad waist and bead-like antennae. Which conclusion is most appropriate?

  1. They are soldiers that have left the colony to swarm
  2. They are termite alates and may indicate an established colony in the structure Correct answer.
  3. They are worker termites that have developed wings
  4. They are ant reproductives and do not indicate termite activity

Explanation

A broad waist and bead-like antennae identify the swarmers as termite alates, whose emergence indoors suggests an established colony. Ant reproductives would show a pinched waist and elbowed antennae.

Question 43Termite biology and identification

Which characteristic most reliably separates dampwood termites from drywood termites when examining a colony in the field?

  1. Dampwood termites have no soldiers
  2. Dampwood termites require high wood moisture and are associated with decay Correct answer.
  3. Dampwood termites always build mud tubes
  4. Dampwood termites produce six-sided pellets

Explanation

Dampwood termites need high moisture and are typically found in decayed wood, which separates them from drywood termites that infest sound wood. Both groups have soldiers, and dampwood termites do not build the mud tubes of subterranean termites.

Question 44Termite biology and identification

An inspector finds termites with very large, dark mandibles and a rectangular head, and the colony contains many such individuals relative to workers. What does the high proportion of this caste suggest?

  1. The colony is a drywood species with no soldiers
  2. The colony is mature and invests heavily in defense Correct answer.
  3. The colony is newly founded and has no workers
  4. The colony is about to swarm

Explanation

A high proportion of soldiers indicates a mature, established colony that invests in defense, since soldiers cannot feed themselves and require worker support. A newly founded colony would have few or no soldiers.

Question 45Termite biology and identification

Which termite species is native to the southeastern United States and commonly infests structures through soil contact?

  1. Florida drywood termite
  2. West Indian drywood termite
  3. Formosan subterranean termite
  4. Eastern subterranean termite Correct answer.

Explanation

The eastern subterranean termite is native to the southeastern United States and commonly infests structures through soil contact and mud tubes. The Formosan termite is an introduced species, and the drywood species do not require soil contact.

Question 46Termite biology and identification

An inspector finds a termite gallery that contains both mud and dry pellets in the same piece of wood. What is the most likely explanation?

  1. Two different termite groups, such as subterranean and drywood termites, may be present Correct answer.
  2. The termites have changed species during the infestation
  3. The mud is a sign of drywood termite activity
  4. The pellets are from the same subterranean colony

Explanation

Mud-lined galleries indicate subterranean termites, while dry pellets indicate drywood termites, so finding both in one piece of wood suggests a mixed infestation. A single colony does not produce both types of evidence.

Question 47Termite biology and identification

An inspector finds a termite with a pale body and wings that are densely covered with fine hairs, and the wings extend well beyond the body. Which identification is most consistent?

  1. Drywood termite alate
  2. Formosan subterranean termite alate Correct answer.
  3. Dampwood termite alate
  4. Eastern subterranean termite alate

Explanation

Formosan subterranean termite alates have densely hairy wings and a dark body, with wings extending well beyond the body. Eastern subterranean alates have sparsely hairy wings, and drywood and dampwood alates differ in body color and wing hairiness.

Question 48Termite biology and identification

Which termite caste is responsible for defending the colony and has a large, hardened head with prominent mandibles?

  1. Alate
  2. Queen
  3. Worker
  4. Soldier Correct answer.

Explanation

Soldiers defend the colony and have an enlarged, hardened head with large mandibles. Workers are pale and soft-bodied, alates have wings and eyes, and the queen is a large reproductive.

Question 49Termite biology and identification

An inspector finds a termite with a fontanelle and a rectangular head, and the colony contains many such individuals. Which conclusion is most appropriate?

  1. The termite is a rhinotermitid soldier, and the colony is likely a subterranean species Correct answer.
  2. The termite is a drywood termite soldier, and the colony is likely a Kalotermitidae species
  3. The termite is an alate, and the colony is likely a Termopsidae species
  4. The termite is a worker, and the colony is likely a Termitidae species

Explanation

A fontanelle combined with a rectangular head identifies a rhinotermitid soldier, which points to a subterranean species. Drywood termite soldiers lack a functional fontanelle, and workers and alates are not described by this combination.

Question 50Termite biology and identification

During a WDO inspection in a central Florida attic, an inspector finds live termites that have no soil connection and leave hard, barrel-shaped pellets with six concave surfaces piled below the wood. Which identification and biology statement is most accurate for this finding?

  1. Subterranean termites, which build shelter tubes to the soil and expel similar pellets from the gallery
  2. Formosan termites, which construct aerial carton nests and do not produce distinct fecal pellets
  3. Dampwood termites, which require direct soil contact and produce pellets with flat, smooth surfaces
  4. Drywood termites, which obtain moisture from the wood they consume and expel fecal pellets through kick-out holes Correct answer.

Explanation

Drywood termites (family Kalotermitidae) live entirely within sound, dry wood with no soil connection and obtain moisture from the wood itself. They push hard, six-sided (hexagonal) fecal pellets out of small kick-out holes, and these pellets accumulate below infested wood. This combination of no soil contact plus uniform, six-concave pellets is diagnostic for drywood termites in Florida.