Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

What attracts drywood termites?

1. Moisture

2. Heat

3. Light

4. Darkness

The correct answer is: Light

Drywood termites are primarily attracted to light because they typically swarm and reproduce in warmer months, often during the late afternoon to early evening hours. Their behavior is influenced by light since it serves as a navigational cue; they tend to fly towards light sources when looking for new locations to establish colonies. While moisture is an essential factor for many wood-eating insects, drywood termites primarily infest dry wood, meaning they do not require constant moisture to thrive. Instead, they live in the wood they consume and can survive on the moisture present in that wood. Heat can be a factor in their activity, as warmer temperatures can enhance their movement, but it is not a primary attractant. Darkness doesn't guide them; rather, they are most active under brighter conditions when swarming. Hence, light is the primary attractant for drywood termites during their reproductive behaviors.