Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

In pest management, what is a common sign of a drywood termite infestation?

1. Sawdust-like frass

2. Visible soil tubes

3. Swarming behavior

4. Wood damage

The correct answer is: Sawdust-like frass

A common sign of a drywood termite infestation is the presence of sawdust-like frass. This material is a byproduct of their feeding process and consists of digested wood particles. Drywood termites consume wood from the inside out, and as they tunnel through, they excrete this frass, which can accumulate beneath the infested wood or in the vicinity of their activity. The distinguishable texture and appearance of frass serve as a crucial indicator for pest inspectors and homeowners alike, pointing directly to the presence of these pests. Additionally, this sign can be particularly useful because, unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not create soil tubes, which helps to differentiate the type of infestation one might be dealing with. Other signs, such as swarming behavior, can indeed indicate a termite problem, but swarming typically occurs at certain times of the year as mature colonies look to reproduce. Visible soil tubes are more characteristic of subterranean termites, while wood damage is often a result of prolonged infestations, meaning that the presence of frass is a more immediate and specific indicator of drywood termite activity.