Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection Practice Exam

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Prepare for the Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection Exam with comprehensive study materials and quizzes. Assess your knowledge on key topics through engaging practice questions and valuable hints. Gain the confidence needed to succeed in your WDO inspection journey!

Practice this question and more.

What type of damage is often associated with wood-boring insects?

Surface run-off
Structural weakening
Color fading
Odor issues

The correct answer is: Structural weakening

The type of damage most commonly associated with wood-boring insects is structural weakening. These insects, such as termites and wood-boring beetles, excavate tunnels and galleries within the wood they infest. As they feed on cellulose, which is abundant in wood, their activities compromise the integrity of the structure. As the infestation progresses, the wood becomes increasingly hollowed out, significantly reducing its load-bearing capacity and structural stability. This weakening can lead to serious issues in buildings, such as sagging floors, compromised walls, and even potential collapse in severe cases. Understanding this aspect is crucial for inspectors, as identifying signs of infestation can aid in determining the potential risks involved with the integrity of the structure and the need for remediation measures. While other issues like color fading and odor problems may be observed in various contexts of wood deterioration, they don’t have the immediate structural implications that arise from damage done by wood-boring insects. Surface run-off, while a factor in moisture-related damage, is not directly relevant to the specific impacts of wood-boring insect infestations.