Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

What is the primary reason no treatment is recommended for wood wasp infestations?

1. They cause minimal damage.

2. They are easily identifiable.

3. They are naturally occurring.

4. They pose a health risk to humans.

The correct answer is: They cause minimal damage.

The primary reason no treatment is recommended for wood wasp infestations is that they cause minimal damage. Wood wasps generally infest wood that is already weakened or dead, and their presence does not typically lead to significant structural damage compared to other pests. This minimal impact justifies the lack of treatment, as the ecological benefit they provide—like breaking down decaying wood and contributing to the soil—often outweighs any potential harm they may pose. Additionally, given their role in the ecosystem, intervention is not usually required unless they affect a healthy living tree or contribute to a larger issue. In contrast, easy identification or their natural occurrence does not directly relate to the decision to avoid treatment. Identifying the insect may help in managing other more harmful pests, but it’s not a reason for treatment non-recommendation. The health risk to humans is also minimal; wood wasps do not pose a direct threat to human health, which further emphasizes that the priority lies in their limited impact on the environment and wood integrity.