Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection Practice Exam

Termites line their tunnels with salivary secretions primarily to maintain moisture levels necessary for their survival. These secretions help to prevent the tunnels from drying out, creating a more suitable environment for the colony. The moisture retained within these tunnels is crucial because termites, particularly the drywood and subterranean species, require a humid environment to thrive and to process the wood they consume.

Salivary secretions also contain enzymes that aid in the digestion of cellulose found in wood. This not only supports the termites' nutritional needs but also helps maintain the structural integrity of their tunnels by creating a protective lining. The adaptability shown by termites in utilizing such secretions highlights the evolution of their behavior towards efficient survival in varying environmental conditions.

In contrast, while fungus can be associated with termite activity—particularly in some species that farm fungus as a food source—it is not used to line tunnels. Moss and larvae do not play a role in the creation or maintenance of the tunnels either.