Pest Control Branch 2 Certification Exam –
Structural Pest Control Practice Test | 2026
Questions with Verified Solutions.
Section 1: Termite Biology & Identification (5 Questions)
Q1: During a routine inspection of a residential crawl space, you observe numerous small,
cream-colored insects with soft bodies and no eyes clustered near a plumbing leak. They are
feeding on damp cardboard. What caste are these termites most likely to be?
A. Alates preparing for a nuptial flight
B. Workers. [CORRECT]
C. Soldier termites defending the colony
D. Supplementary reproductives establishing a new nest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Worker termites are the most numerous caste, responsible for foraging and feeding
the colony; they are eyeless, soft-bodied, and attracted to cellulose in damp conditions. Alates
(A) have darkened bodies and wings, while soldiers (C) possess enlarged mandibles or
fontanelles for defense. A common mistake is selecting soldiers because they are visible near
disturbances, but workers are the primary foragers found at food sources.
Q2: A homeowner reports finding dozens of winged insects near their window sills after a warm
spring rain. The insects have two pairs of equal-length wings that break off easily, and their
bodies are uniformly dark with straight antennae. What is the most likely identification?
A. Carpenter ant swarmers, which have elbowed antennae and a narrow waist
B. Subterranean termite alates. [CORRECT]
C. Drywood termite swarmers, which typically emerge in late summer or fall
D. Powderpost beetle adults, which have hardened forewings and do not shed wings
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Subterranean termite alates swarm in spring after warm rains, have two pairs of
equal-length wings that break off, straight bead-like antennae, and a broad waist with no
constriction. Carpenter ants (A) have distinctly elbowed antennae and a pinched waist. A
frequent error is confusing subterranean alates with drywood swarmers (C); however, drywood
termites usually swarm in late summer and have a different head structure.
, Q3: While inspecting the exterior foundation of a home, you discover a network of thin, earthen
tubes running from the soil up the concrete stem wall and into a crack in the siding. The tubes
appear moist and intact. What does this evidence indicate?
A. An old, abandoned termite foraging path that is no longer active
B. Evidence of carpenter ant nesting in the wall void
C. An active subterranean termite infestation requiring immediate treatment. [CORRECT]
D. Mud dauber wasp activity, which builds nests on structures but does not damage wood
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Intact, moist mud tubes are definitive evidence of active subterranean termite
foraging, as termites require soil contact to maintain moisture while accessing above-ground
cellulose. Old tubes (A) become dry, brittle, and crumble when touched. A common field
mistake is assuming tubes are abandoned if no live termites are immediately visible; however,
termites often retreat deeper into the tube when disturbed.
Q4: You are called to evaluate "sawdust" found beneath a wooden windowsill. Upon closer
examination, the material consists of tiny, hexagonal-shaped pellets with ridges, and there are
no signs of mud tubes nearby. What type of damage are you observing?
A. Carpenter ant frass, which consists of irregular wood shavings mixed with insect parts
B. Subterranean termite fecal material, which is liquid and used to construct tubes
C. Drywood termite frass (fecal pellets). [CORRECT]
D. Wood-boring beetle powder, which is fine flour-like dust without distinct shapes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Drywood termites produce characteristic hexagonal fecal pellets with six concave
ridges, which they expel from kick-out holes; they do not require soil contact. Carpenter ant
frass (A) contains irregular shavings and often body parts. A frequent distractor is wood-boring
beetle powder (D), which lacks the distinct pellet shape and ridged structure of drywood
termite frass.
Q5: A colony of subterranean termites has been established in a structure for approximately
three years. Which caste would you expect to find in the greatest numbers if you were to break
open an active gallery?
Structural Pest Control Practice Test | 2026
Questions with Verified Solutions.
Section 1: Termite Biology & Identification (5 Questions)
Q1: During a routine inspection of a residential crawl space, you observe numerous small,
cream-colored insects with soft bodies and no eyes clustered near a plumbing leak. They are
feeding on damp cardboard. What caste are these termites most likely to be?
A. Alates preparing for a nuptial flight
B. Workers. [CORRECT]
C. Soldier termites defending the colony
D. Supplementary reproductives establishing a new nest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Worker termites are the most numerous caste, responsible for foraging and feeding
the colony; they are eyeless, soft-bodied, and attracted to cellulose in damp conditions. Alates
(A) have darkened bodies and wings, while soldiers (C) possess enlarged mandibles or
fontanelles for defense. A common mistake is selecting soldiers because they are visible near
disturbances, but workers are the primary foragers found at food sources.
Q2: A homeowner reports finding dozens of winged insects near their window sills after a warm
spring rain. The insects have two pairs of equal-length wings that break off easily, and their
bodies are uniformly dark with straight antennae. What is the most likely identification?
A. Carpenter ant swarmers, which have elbowed antennae and a narrow waist
B. Subterranean termite alates. [CORRECT]
C. Drywood termite swarmers, which typically emerge in late summer or fall
D. Powderpost beetle adults, which have hardened forewings and do not shed wings
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Subterranean termite alates swarm in spring after warm rains, have two pairs of
equal-length wings that break off, straight bead-like antennae, and a broad waist with no
constriction. Carpenter ants (A) have distinctly elbowed antennae and a pinched waist. A
frequent error is confusing subterranean alates with drywood swarmers (C); however, drywood
termites usually swarm in late summer and have a different head structure.
, Q3: While inspecting the exterior foundation of a home, you discover a network of thin, earthen
tubes running from the soil up the concrete stem wall and into a crack in the siding. The tubes
appear moist and intact. What does this evidence indicate?
A. An old, abandoned termite foraging path that is no longer active
B. Evidence of carpenter ant nesting in the wall void
C. An active subterranean termite infestation requiring immediate treatment. [CORRECT]
D. Mud dauber wasp activity, which builds nests on structures but does not damage wood
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Intact, moist mud tubes are definitive evidence of active subterranean termite
foraging, as termites require soil contact to maintain moisture while accessing above-ground
cellulose. Old tubes (A) become dry, brittle, and crumble when touched. A common field
mistake is assuming tubes are abandoned if no live termites are immediately visible; however,
termites often retreat deeper into the tube when disturbed.
Q4: You are called to evaluate "sawdust" found beneath a wooden windowsill. Upon closer
examination, the material consists of tiny, hexagonal-shaped pellets with ridges, and there are
no signs of mud tubes nearby. What type of damage are you observing?
A. Carpenter ant frass, which consists of irregular wood shavings mixed with insect parts
B. Subterranean termite fecal material, which is liquid and used to construct tubes
C. Drywood termite frass (fecal pellets). [CORRECT]
D. Wood-boring beetle powder, which is fine flour-like dust without distinct shapes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Drywood termites produce characteristic hexagonal fecal pellets with six concave
ridges, which they expel from kick-out holes; they do not require soil contact. Carpenter ant
frass (A) contains irregular shavings and often body parts. A frequent distractor is wood-boring
beetle powder (D), which lacks the distinct pellet shape and ridged structure of drywood
termite frass.
Q5: A colony of subterranean termites has been established in a structure for approximately
three years. Which caste would you expect to find in the greatest numbers if you were to break
open an active gallery?
