IIHS: Structural WDO exam Flashcards
When shown a picture of an insect and asked if its a carpenter ant or a termite, how do you tell the difference?
It’s a carpenter ant. The termite has a consistent waist line (thorax to abdomen). The carpenter ant has a node or tiny connection between the thorax and the abdomen. Also cue in on the antenna that they are bent. Termites do not have bent antennae
Do Carpenter ants eat wood?
NO
Do carpenter ants burrow more often in “soft” or “hard” wood?
Soft wood
Describe Carpenter ant galleries
Carpenter ant galleries are generally smooth and clean.
Which Termite(s) have 6 sided fecal matter?
Dampwood and Drywood termites
Which active ingredients are IGRs for termites?
Hexaflumuron, difulbenzuron, noviflumuron
What is the best way to prevent back flow?
Always have an air gap.
Easiest way to contaminate ground water?
Mixing and cleaning by a well
What do you do with your residual product in an empty pesticide container?
Put it in your mix tank.
How does moisture in the home affect termites?
Keep the underside and surrounding areas of the home dry.
What is the ideal moisture content for preventing termite or other Wood Destroying Organism damage?
20% moisture content or less.
What is the proper way to mix product?
Follow the label. different labels may ask you to mix different things i.e. how much to fill before adding concentrate.
What the difference between Subterranean and Drywood termite wings? The test will show you a picture similar to the one on page 210 in the Trumans book. figure 9.7
Dry wood termites have a CROSS-VEIN running along the front margin of the wing. This vein is NOT FOUND in the subterranean termites wings.
What is the best tool for inspecting for termites in a crawl space?
A flashlight.
Is knocking a viable way to inspect for termites?
Yes. You can hear the difference in the wood.
What is the best type of wood to use in construction to prevent termites?
Pressure treated lumber
If there are Mudtubes is that a sign of active termite infestation?
Maybe. If they are hard and crumbly then no, if they are soft then they are active.
Are termites found above the first floor?
Occasionally but not usually.
In order subterranean termites to infest a home do they need direct contact with the wood on the ground?
No. They will build mud tubes over the other material to bridge the gap from the soil to the wood.
What do discarded termite wings indicate
Termite infestation has begun. Alate swarmers fly until they have found a new home. They then quickly shed their fragile wings and mate to form the new colony
What is the termite’s closest insect relative?
Cockroaches