Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

Which type of frass can be described as very fine powder and tiny pellets?

1. Ambrosia Beetle Frass

2. Old House Borer Frass

3. Dampwood Beetle Frass

4. Lyctid Frass

The correct answer is: Old House Borer Frass

The correct choice describes Old House Borer Frass, which is typically noted for appearing as a fine powder or tiny pellets. Old House Borers are wood-boring beetles that produce frass as they tunnel through wood. The frass is an accumulation of powdered wood that has been digested and excreted, leading to a very fine particle texture. This particular type of frass is a key indicator of an active infestation, as it is often found near or under infested wood structures. Its distinct appearance helps in identifying damage caused by these pests, facilitating effective control and remediation strategies. In contrast, other types of frass have different characteristics. Ambrosia Beetle frass is often more sawdust-like and can contain larger particles, while Dampwood Beetle frass is commonly known for being more coarse and often consists of chunks of wood rather than the fine powder produced by the Old House Borer. Lyctid frass, associated with powderpost beetles, tends to be fine but does not typically take the form of tiny pellets like that from the Old House Borer. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate identification of pest activity within wooden structures.