Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection Practice Exam

What is the consequence of having cellulose-containing trash in an infested area?

1. It can attract bees

2. It promotes further infestations

3. It strengthens structures

4. It repels pests

The correct answer is: It promotes further infestations

Having cellulose-containing trash in an infested area significantly promotes further infestations because cellulose serves as a food source for many wood-destroying organisms, such as termites and carpenter ants. These pests are naturally drawn to materials like wood, paper, and cardboard, which contain cellulose. When these materials are present, they can inadvertently create an environment favorable for the proliferation of these organisms, leading to more extensive damage in the surrounding structures and potentially increasing the costs associated with pest control and repairs. In contrast, while bees may be attracted to some forms of organic waste, this is not a primary concern in the context of wood-destroying organisms. Strengthening structures is not a consequence of having cellulose waste; rather, it might lead to structural damage due to increased pest activity. Similarly, cellulose-containing materials do not repel pests; rather, they invite them in, further exacerbating the infestation problem.