OPM Termite Practice Exam

How can drywood and dampwood termites be destroyed?

1. With liquid sprays

2. By fumigation

3. With dust

4. Through baiting

The correct answer is: With dust

Dust applications are particularly effective for controlling drywood and dampwood termites because they allow for targeted treatment in localized areas where these termites are likely nesting or feeding. Dust is designed to be applied directly into the galleries that termites create within wood; when they come into contact with the dust, it adheres to their bodies and eventually leads to their demise. This method is advantageous as it can penetrate into cracks and crevices where liquid treatments might not reach effectively. Fumigation, while highly effective for extensive infestations and ensuring complete penetration into all wood structures, may not be practical for smaller infestations or localized areas. Liquid sprays and baiting systems, on the other hand, typically do not reach deep into the wood where drywood and dampwood termites often hide, making them less effective compared to the direct application of dust in specific locations.