OPM Termite Practice Exam

What is the most effective method to kill drywood termites?

1. Spraying with insecticide

2. Fumigation with Vicaine

3. Using a heat treatment

4. Applying diatomaceous earth

The correct answer is: Fumigation with Vicaine

Fumigation with Vicaine is considered the most effective method to kill drywood termites due to its ability to penetrate all areas of an infested structure, including hidden spaces that are difficult to reach with other treatments. During the fumigation process, the entire building is enclosed and treated with a gas that is toxic to termites, ensuring that even those in deep galleries are eradicated. This method is particularly effective for drywood termites, which can be challenging to control using localized treatments because they often live within the wood itself rather than in the soil. Other methods, such as spraying with insecticide or applying diatomaceous earth, may have limited effectiveness depending on access to the infested wood. These treatments often require direct contact with the termites and may miss hidden colonies. Heat treatment can be effective, but it requires careful monitoring to ensure that the heat penetrates to a lethal level throughout the infested areas. This method may not be as comprehensive as whole-structure fumigation, which is capable of addressing multiple colonies at once.