What are the three body regions of an insect?
Head, thorax, abdomen.
Difference between simple and complete metamorphosis?
Simple: egg → nymph → adult
Complete: egg → larva → pupa → adult
Why is insect identification critical for PCOs?
Misidentification leads to improper control and treatment failure.
What mouthpart type do termites have?
Chewing mouthparts.
What insect order are termites?
Isoptera (now classified under Blattodea in modern taxonomy).
What does IPM stand for?
Integrated Pest Management.
Primary goal of IPM?
Long-term control using least hazardous methods.
First step in IPM?
Correct pest identification.
Why is inspection more important than treatment?
Treatments without diagnosis fail and waste resources.
Why is monitoring critical for WDO pests?
Structural damage often occurs before visible infestation.
What do termites feed on?
Cellulose.
What is the moisture requirement of termites?
High moisture; they desiccate easily.
Difference between subterranean and drywood termites?
Subterranean: soil contact, mud tubes
Drywood: live entirely in wood, no soil contact
Purpose of mud tubes?
Protection from desiccation and predators.
Which caste causes wood damage?
Workers.
Primary evidence of subterranean termites?
Mud tubes, damaged wood, swarmers.
What time of year do swarmers typically appear?
Spring.
Which ant is a structural wood-destroyer?
Carpenter ant
Do carpenter ants eat wood?
No, they excavate it for nesting.
What attracts carpenter ants to structures?
Moisture-damaged or decayed wood.
Key sign of carpenter ant infestation?
Smooth galleries and sawdust-like frass.
Name two beetles that damage wood.
Powderpost beetles, old house borer.
What stage causes wood damage in beetles?
Larvae
Difference between termites and beetles re: damage?
Termites digest cellulose; beetles tunnel while feeding as larvae.
