Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection Practice Exam

What is a common habitat for termites?

1. Dry wood

2. Moist soil

3. Concrete foundations

4. Damp basements

The correct answer is: Moist soil

A common habitat for termites is moist soil. Termites thrive in areas where there is a readily available moisture source, as they require it for survival and to aid in their wood-digesting processes. Moist soil provides a conducive environment for subterranean termites, which often build their colonies underground and can create tunnels to access wood structures above ground. This habitat choice is crucial because termites need to maintain specific humidity levels to survive, and moist soil allows them to do just that. This characteristic also emphasizes why structural damage from termites can often be seen in wooden elements that are in contact with or close to the ground. While dry wood is a habitat for certain types of termites, such as drywood termites, it is not as encompassing a habitat type as moist soil for the broader spectrum of termite species. Concrete foundations do not serve as a habitat for termites themselves, as they do not have organic matter to consume. Damp basements can attract termites because of the presence of moisture, but they are not the primary habitat for most termite species, who primarily occupy the ground level and soil.