NYS PCO NYS PCO Pest Identification 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which termite species is the most economically significant structural pest in New York State?
- Eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) (Correct answer)
- Formosan subterranean termite
- Drywood termite
- Dampwood termite
Correct answer: Eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes)
The Eastern subterranean termite is the predominant termite species in New York and the primary cause of termite structural damage in the state.
Question 2: How can a PCO distinguish carpenter ants from termites?
- Carpenter ants have a constricted waist; termites have a broad, straight waist (Correct answer)
- Termites have six legs; ants have eight legs
- Carpenter ants are white; termites are black
- Termites have antennae; ants do not
Correct answer: Carpenter ants have a constricted waist; termites have a broad, straight waist
The most reliable visual distinction is the petiole: carpenter ants have a narrow, pinched waist while termite workers have a broad, uniform abdomen.
Question 3: The presence of mud tubes along a foundation is a primary sign of which pest?
- Subterranean termites (Correct answer)
- Carpenter bees
- Carpenter ants
- Powderpost beetles
Correct answer: Subterranean termites
Subterranean termites construct mud tubes to maintain moisture and protect themselves as they travel between the soil and wood structures.
Question 4: Which rodent is identified by its blunt snout, small ears, and stocky body in New York pest control?
- Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) (Correct answer)
- Roof rat (Rattus rattus)
- House mouse (Mus musculus)
- Deer mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus)
Correct answer: Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus)
The Norway rat has a stocky build, blunt snout, small close-set ears, and a tail shorter than its body length, distinguishing it from the slender roof rat.
Question 5: Frass (sawdust-like excrement) pushed from tiny holes in wood is characteristic of which wood-destroying insect?
- Powderpost beetles (Correct answer)
- Subterranean termites
- Carpenter ants
- Wood-boring wasps
Correct answer: Powderpost beetles
Powderpost beetles leave fine, flour-like frass pushed out of small round exit holes as evidence of active infestation.
Question 6: Which cockroach species is the smallest and most commonly found in kitchen and restaurant infestations in New York?
- German cockroach (Blattella germanica) (Correct answer)
- American cockroach (Periplaneta americana)
- Oriental cockroach (Blatta orientalis)
- Brownbanded cockroach (Supella longipalpa)
Correct answer: German cockroach (Blattella germanica)
The German cockroach is the most prevalent indoor cockroach in NY and the hardest to control due to its rapid reproductive rate.
NYS PCO NYS PCO Pest Identification 1
Which termite species is the most economically significant structural pest in New York State?