Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection Practice Exam

What is the main food source for termites?

1. Hardwood

2. Softwood

3. Cellulose

4. Plastic

The correct answer is: Cellulose

Termites primarily feed on cellulose, which is a complex carbohydrate that forms the structural component of plant cell walls. This material is abundant in various types of wood, foliage, and other plant materials. Termites possess specialized gut bacteria and protozoa that enable them to break down cellulose into simple sugars, which they can then utilize for energy. While hardwood and softwood refer to the types of trees that produce various forms of wood, they are not the fundamental food source itself; rather, it is the cellulose found in these woods that termites consume. Plastic, conversely, does not contain cellulose and thus is not a suitable source of nutrition for termites. Understanding that termites rely exclusively on cellulose helps underscore their crucial role in recycling plant material in ecosystems, as they contribute to the breakdown and decomposition of dead and decaying wood.