Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection Practice Exam

Which of the following is a method of termite control that relies on foraging termites' feeding behavior?

1. Baits

2. Foams

3. Chemical injections

4. Fumigants

The correct answer is: Baits

Baits are a method of termite control that effectively utilizes the natural foraging and feeding behavior of termites. Termites are attracted to these bait stations that contain a slow-acting insecticide mixed with a food source. When foraging termites find the bait, they consume it and take it back to their colony, where they share it with other termites through mutual grooming and feeding activities. This behavior allows for the distribution of the insecticide throughout the colony, ultimately leading to the elimination of a significant portion of the termite population and disrupting their reproductive cycle. The other methods mentioned—foams, chemical injections, and fumigants—do not exploit this natural foraging behavior in the same manner. Foams are typically used to fill voids and enhance localized treatment applications, chemical injections are directed into specific areas to target established colonies, and fumigants work by filling an entire structure to eradicate pests but do not rely on the feeding behavior of termites. Thus, baits present a unique advantage by targeting termites’ feeding habits to achieve control over the infestation.