Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

What does the frass of the Old House Borer typically contain?

1. Large chunks of wood

2. Very fine powder and tightly packed pellets

3. Sticky residues

4. Coarse sawdust

The correct answer is: Very fine powder and tightly packed pellets

The frass of the Old House Borer is characterized by very fine powder and tightly packed pellets. This is a result of the boring activity of the beetles, where they tunnel through wood, creating a dust-like material that consists of the wood fibers they have consumed. The fine texture is indicative of their feeding habits, as they primarily bore into softwood materials, leaving behind this distinct waste product. The other options generally describe types of debris that are associated with different types of wood-boring insects. For example, large chunks of wood would be more typical of other pest activities where larger pieces are removed, sticky residues may relate to resins or other substances from different pests, and coarse sawdust could indicate a different feeding method or type of insect. The correct identification of frass is crucial for pest control and management, as it helps in determining the specific type of infestation and consequently the appropriate treatment measures.