Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection Practice Exam

Chitin synthesis inhibitors or CSIs disrupt which normal process in termites?

1. A) Shedding

2. B) Molting

3. C) Growth

4. D) Feeding

The correct answer is: B) Molting

Chitin synthesis inhibitors, or CSIs, target the process of molting in termites. Insects, including termites, have an exoskeleton made of chitin, which is a significant component of their outer structure. Molting is the process whereby insects shed their old exoskeleton and grow a new one, allowing them to grow larger and develop into different life stages. If this process is disrupted by chitin synthesis inhibitors, termites cannot properly molt, leading to various developmental issues, including physical deformities or even death. The other processes mentioned do not directly relate to the specific action of CSIs. Shedding and molting are often confused; however, molting is the precise biological process affected by CSIs. Growth is a broader term that encompasses various developmental stages but does not specifically pinpoint the disruption caused by CSIs. Feeding is an important behavior for termites, but it is not the primary process disrupted by chitin synthesis inhibitors. Therefore, molting is the correct answer as it directly relates to the action of CSIs in disrupting the normal life cycle of termites.