Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

Which type of termite consumes the most wood daily?

1. Eastern subterranean termites

2. Formosan subterranean termites

3. Drywood termites

4. Dampwood termites

The correct answer is: Eastern subterranean termites

The type of termite that consumes the most wood daily is the Formosan subterranean termite. This species is particularly aggressive and is known for its ability to consume wood at a faster rate than other termites. Formosan subterranean termites can consume a substantial amount of wood in a single day, often measuring in pounds, which makes them a significant threat to wooden structures. In contrast, while Eastern subterranean termites also consume significant amounts of wood, their consumption rate is generally lower than that of Formosan subterranean termites. Drywood and dampwood termites have different habits and environments; for instance, drywood termites live in wood and do not require contact with the soil, while dampwood termites prefer moist environments and are not as destructive as subterranean varieties. These differences contribute to their lower wood consumption rates compared to Formosan subterranean termites.