FLORIDA TERMITE EXAM
2026/2027
100 QUESTIONS | WELL ELABORATED
Verified Questions and Answers | Latest Update
100% Verified Solutions | Graded A+
Core Domains:
Termite Biology & Identification • Inspection Techniques • Integrated Pest Management
Chemical & Non-Chemical Treatments • Pesticide Safety • Florida Laws & Regulations
Environmental Protection • WDO Identification • Prevention & Control Strategies
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) – Termite Control – Aligned
Format
, Florida Termite Exam 2026/2027
Abstract
This Florida Termite Control Examination for the 2026/2027 certification cycle provides
comprehensive assessment of pest management competencies required for professional termite
control certification. The examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering termite
biology and identification, inspection techniques, treatment methodologies, pesticide safety, and
Florida-specific regulatory requirements. Questions address subterranean, drywood, and dampwood
termite species common to Florida, as well as other wood-destroying organisms relevant to structural
pest control.
Keywords: termite control, Florida pest management, WDO inspection, subterranean termites,
drywood termites, pesticide safety, FDACS regulations, integrated pest management
Introduction
The Florida Termite Control Examination represents the standardized assessment required by the
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for professional certification in termite and
wood-destroying organism control. Given Florida's subtropical climate and extensive termite
pressure, pest management professionals must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of termite
biology, identification, treatment methodologies, and regulatory compliance. This examination format
reflects current industry standards and regulatory requirements essential for protecting Florida
structures from termite damage.
Section 1: Termite Biology & Identification
This section examines termite biology, colony structure, species identification, and behavior patterns
essential for effective pest management. Questions cover subterranean, drywood, and dampwood
termites found in Florida, including the invasive Formosan subterranean termite.
Question 1
Which termite species is the most economically significant structural pest in Florida?
A. Drywood termite (Cryptotermes brevis)
B. Eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes)
C. Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus)
D. Dampwood termite (Neotermes castaneus)
Rationale: The Eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) is the most
widespread and economically damaging termite species in Florida and throughout the
eastern United States. These termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage
annually. While the Formosan subterranean termite is more aggressive, it has a more
limited distribution in Florida, primarily in coastal areas.
Question 2
What is the primary distinguishing characteristic of subterranean termites compared
to drywood termites?
A. Subterranean termites are larger in size
B. Subterranean termites require contact with soil moisture
C. Subterranean termites have darker coloration
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, Florida Termite Exam 2026/2027
D. Subterranean termites only eat softwood
Rationale: Subterranean termites require contact with soil or a constant moisture source
to survive, as they cannot maintain adequate body moisture in dry environments. They
build mud tubes to travel between their soil nests and food sources. Drywood termites, in
contrast, can survive entirely within dry wood with no soil contact, obtaining moisture from
wood metabolism.
Question 3
Which termite caste is responsible for reproduction in an established colony?
A. Workers
B. Soldiers
C. Alates (swarmers)
D. Primary reproductives (queen and king)
Rationale: The primary reproductives, consisting of the queen and king, are responsible
for egg production in an established colony. While alates (swarmers) are potential
reproductives that leave to establish new colonies, the primary queen can lay thousands of
eggs per day in mature colonies. Workers perform foraging and nest maintenance; soldiers
defend the colony.
Question 4
What triggers termite swarming behavior in Florida?
A. Temperature drops below 50°F
B. Warm temperatures, rainfall, and high humidity
C. Lunar cycles only
D. Wind speeds above 20 mph
Rationale: Termite swarming in Florida is triggered by a combination of warm
temperatures (typically 70-90°F), recent rainfall, and high humidity. These conditions often
occur in spring and early summer. Subterranean termites typically swarm during daylight
hours, while drywood termites often swarm in late afternoon or evening. Environmental
cues signal optimal conditions for starting new colonies.
Question 5
How can you distinguish Formosan subterranean termites from native subterranean
termites?
A. Formosan termites are smaller
B. Formosan soldiers have teardrop-shaped heads and release defensive fluid
C. Formosan termites are lighter in color
D. Formosan termites have longer wings
Rationale: Formosan subterranean termite soldiers can be distinguished by their
teardrop-shaped heads and their ability to release a white defensive fluid from a frontal
gland when threatened. Native subterranean termite soldiers have rectangular heads.
Formosan termites also build larger colonies with populations reaching millions, compared
to hundreds of thousands in native species.
Question 6
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, Florida Termite Exam 2026/2027
What is the function of mud tubes constructed by subterranean termites?
A. Food storage
B. Protection from predators and desiccation while foraging
C. Waste disposal
D. Reproductive chamber construction
Rationale: Mud tubes (shelter tubes) protect termites from desiccation, predators, and
light while traveling between their soil nest and food sources. These tubes maintain the high
humidity termites require. Different types include working tubes, exploratory tubes, drop
tubes, and swarming tubes. The presence of mud tubes is a key indicator of subterranean
termite infestation.
Question 7
Which body characteristic distinguishes drywood termites from subterranean
termites?
A. Drywood termites have two body segments
B. Drywood termites have a cylindrical body with no constriction
C. Drywood termites have a distinct waist between thorax and abdomen
D. Drywood termites have wings attached permanently
Rationale: Drywood termites have a more distinct waist (constriction) between the thorax
and abdomen, giving them a more cylindrical appearance compared to subterranean
termites. This characteristic, along with their larger size and harder fecal pellets, helps in
identification. Subterranean termites appear more uniformly wide along the body.
Question 8
What do drywood termite fecal pellets look like?
A. Wet and cylindrical
B. Hexagonal and dry with longitudinal ridges
C. Round and soft
D. Irregular and crumbly
Rationale: Drywood termite fecal pellets are characteristically hexagonal (six-sided) in
cross-section, dry, and have longitudinal ridges. They are pushed out of galleries through
kick-out holes and accumulate in piles below infested wood. These pellets are approximately
1mm long and have a hard, sand-like consistency. This distinctive shape distinguishes them
from other wood-destroying insects.
Question 9
What is the typical size range of an Eastern subterranean termite worker?
A. 2-3 mm
B. 4-6 mm
C. 8-10 mm
D. 12-15 mm
Rationale: Eastern subterranean termite workers are typically 4-6 mm (approximately
1/8 to 1/4 inch) in length. They are soft-bodied, cream-colored, and blind. Workers comprise
Page 4 of 31
2026/2027
100 QUESTIONS | WELL ELABORATED
Verified Questions and Answers | Latest Update
100% Verified Solutions | Graded A+
Core Domains:
Termite Biology & Identification • Inspection Techniques • Integrated Pest Management
Chemical & Non-Chemical Treatments • Pesticide Safety • Florida Laws & Regulations
Environmental Protection • WDO Identification • Prevention & Control Strategies
Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services (FDACS) – Termite Control – Aligned
Format
, Florida Termite Exam 2026/2027
Abstract
This Florida Termite Control Examination for the 2026/2027 certification cycle provides
comprehensive assessment of pest management competencies required for professional termite
control certification. The examination consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering termite
biology and identification, inspection techniques, treatment methodologies, pesticide safety, and
Florida-specific regulatory requirements. Questions address subterranean, drywood, and dampwood
termite species common to Florida, as well as other wood-destroying organisms relevant to structural
pest control.
Keywords: termite control, Florida pest management, WDO inspection, subterranean termites,
drywood termites, pesticide safety, FDACS regulations, integrated pest management
Introduction
The Florida Termite Control Examination represents the standardized assessment required by the
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for professional certification in termite and
wood-destroying organism control. Given Florida's subtropical climate and extensive termite
pressure, pest management professionals must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of termite
biology, identification, treatment methodologies, and regulatory compliance. This examination format
reflects current industry standards and regulatory requirements essential for protecting Florida
structures from termite damage.
Section 1: Termite Biology & Identification
This section examines termite biology, colony structure, species identification, and behavior patterns
essential for effective pest management. Questions cover subterranean, drywood, and dampwood
termites found in Florida, including the invasive Formosan subterranean termite.
Question 1
Which termite species is the most economically significant structural pest in Florida?
A. Drywood termite (Cryptotermes brevis)
B. Eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes)
C. Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus)
D. Dampwood termite (Neotermes castaneus)
Rationale: The Eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) is the most
widespread and economically damaging termite species in Florida and throughout the
eastern United States. These termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage
annually. While the Formosan subterranean termite is more aggressive, it has a more
limited distribution in Florida, primarily in coastal areas.
Question 2
What is the primary distinguishing characteristic of subterranean termites compared
to drywood termites?
A. Subterranean termites are larger in size
B. Subterranean termites require contact with soil moisture
C. Subterranean termites have darker coloration
Page 2 of 31
, Florida Termite Exam 2026/2027
D. Subterranean termites only eat softwood
Rationale: Subterranean termites require contact with soil or a constant moisture source
to survive, as they cannot maintain adequate body moisture in dry environments. They
build mud tubes to travel between their soil nests and food sources. Drywood termites, in
contrast, can survive entirely within dry wood with no soil contact, obtaining moisture from
wood metabolism.
Question 3
Which termite caste is responsible for reproduction in an established colony?
A. Workers
B. Soldiers
C. Alates (swarmers)
D. Primary reproductives (queen and king)
Rationale: The primary reproductives, consisting of the queen and king, are responsible
for egg production in an established colony. While alates (swarmers) are potential
reproductives that leave to establish new colonies, the primary queen can lay thousands of
eggs per day in mature colonies. Workers perform foraging and nest maintenance; soldiers
defend the colony.
Question 4
What triggers termite swarming behavior in Florida?
A. Temperature drops below 50°F
B. Warm temperatures, rainfall, and high humidity
C. Lunar cycles only
D. Wind speeds above 20 mph
Rationale: Termite swarming in Florida is triggered by a combination of warm
temperatures (typically 70-90°F), recent rainfall, and high humidity. These conditions often
occur in spring and early summer. Subterranean termites typically swarm during daylight
hours, while drywood termites often swarm in late afternoon or evening. Environmental
cues signal optimal conditions for starting new colonies.
Question 5
How can you distinguish Formosan subterranean termites from native subterranean
termites?
A. Formosan termites are smaller
B. Formosan soldiers have teardrop-shaped heads and release defensive fluid
C. Formosan termites are lighter in color
D. Formosan termites have longer wings
Rationale: Formosan subterranean termite soldiers can be distinguished by their
teardrop-shaped heads and their ability to release a white defensive fluid from a frontal
gland when threatened. Native subterranean termite soldiers have rectangular heads.
Formosan termites also build larger colonies with populations reaching millions, compared
to hundreds of thousands in native species.
Question 6
Page 3 of 31
, Florida Termite Exam 2026/2027
What is the function of mud tubes constructed by subterranean termites?
A. Food storage
B. Protection from predators and desiccation while foraging
C. Waste disposal
D. Reproductive chamber construction
Rationale: Mud tubes (shelter tubes) protect termites from desiccation, predators, and
light while traveling between their soil nest and food sources. These tubes maintain the high
humidity termites require. Different types include working tubes, exploratory tubes, drop
tubes, and swarming tubes. The presence of mud tubes is a key indicator of subterranean
termite infestation.
Question 7
Which body characteristic distinguishes drywood termites from subterranean
termites?
A. Drywood termites have two body segments
B. Drywood termites have a cylindrical body with no constriction
C. Drywood termites have a distinct waist between thorax and abdomen
D. Drywood termites have wings attached permanently
Rationale: Drywood termites have a more distinct waist (constriction) between the thorax
and abdomen, giving them a more cylindrical appearance compared to subterranean
termites. This characteristic, along with their larger size and harder fecal pellets, helps in
identification. Subterranean termites appear more uniformly wide along the body.
Question 8
What do drywood termite fecal pellets look like?
A. Wet and cylindrical
B. Hexagonal and dry with longitudinal ridges
C. Round and soft
D. Irregular and crumbly
Rationale: Drywood termite fecal pellets are characteristically hexagonal (six-sided) in
cross-section, dry, and have longitudinal ridges. They are pushed out of galleries through
kick-out holes and accumulate in piles below infested wood. These pellets are approximately
1mm long and have a hard, sand-like consistency. This distinctive shape distinguishes them
from other wood-destroying insects.
Question 9
What is the typical size range of an Eastern subterranean termite worker?
A. 2-3 mm
B. 4-6 mm
C. 8-10 mm
D. 12-15 mm
Rationale: Eastern subterranean termite workers are typically 4-6 mm (approximately
1/8 to 1/4 inch) in length. They are soft-bodied, cream-colored, and blind. Workers comprise
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