Georgia Pest Control Practice Test

Which characteristic is true for drywood termites?

1. Require soil contact for nesting

2. Have a worker caste

3. Excrete liquid feces

4. Usually nest underground

The correct answer is: Have a worker caste

Drywood termites are unique among termite species because they do not require contact with soil to nest; instead, they typically infest and establish colonies within the wood they consume. Unlike other termite families, such as subterranean termites, which have a structured caste system that includes workers, drywood termites primarily have a reproductive caste, along with soldiers, but they lack a dedicated worker caste. Reproductive individuals are responsible for establishing new colonies, while the soldiers defend the colony. This means that all other tasks, including caring for the young and maintaining the nest, are typically carried out by the reproductive individuals as well. This feature distinguishes them significantly from many other termite species, where a worker caste is prominent. Overall, this highlights the adaptive strategies of drywood termites and reinforces the characteristics that make them a specific type of wood-destroying organism, leading to different control methods needed for managing infestations.