OPM Termite Practice Exam

What percentage of termites generally survive after swarming?

1. Less than 5%

2. Over 10%

3. Less than 3%

4. About 8%

The correct answer is: Less than 3%

After swarming, which is the process where reproductive termites leave the colony to establish new colonies, a very small percentage of these termites actually survive. Typically, studies have indicated that the survival rate for termites after swarming is critically low due to various environmental threats, predation, and the challenges of finding a suitable location to establish a new colony. Research suggests that the survival rate is usually less than 3%. This statistic reflects the harsh realities of their life cycle, where many termites will face immediate dangers post-swarming, such as being eaten by predators or failing to locate adequate resources for survival. This understanding of termite behavior is essential in both pest control and ecological studies, as it highlights their vulnerability during the critical phase of founding new colonies. Other percentages, like those exceeding 3%, are less accurate as they overestimate the resilience of termites in these vulnerable moments.