OPM Termite Practice Exam

Under what climatic conditions do termites typically swarm and mate?

1. Cold and Dry

2. Hot and Dry

3. Warm, Moist, Humid

4. Cool and Windy

The correct answer is: Warm, Moist, Humid

Termites typically swarm and mate under warm, moist, and humid climatic conditions. These conditions are ideal for their reproductive activities because the warmth stimulates activity and the moisture helps to support their fragile bodies, making it easier for them to fly and mate. The presence of humidity is also crucial, as it helps in the survival of swarmers and facilitates their ability to establish new colonies once they land. This is particularly relevant for species such as Eastern Subterranean termites, which often swarm after rainfall when the air is humid, providing a conducive environment for mating and subsequently dispersing to new locations for colonization. Other climatic conditions, such as cold and dry or hot and dry, do not favor the survival and activity of termites in the same way, making the warm, moist, and humid environment the most favorable for their reproductive behavior.