Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Practice Exam

Subterranean termites typically attach to which of the following?

1. Grass and foliage

2. Sides of foundations, walls, and trees

3. Underground burrows

4. Leaf litter

The correct answer is: Sides of foundations, walls, and trees

Subterranean termites are known for their ability to build extensive tunnels and colonies below the ground, but they also frequently make contact with surfaces above ground. They typically attach themselves to the sides of foundations, walls, and trees to access wood and other cellulose material for feeding. This behavior is crucial because it allows them to create a bridge between their underground nests and their food sources, facilitating their voracious appetite for cellulose found in wood and plant materials. When they make contact with the vertical surfaces of structures, they may also contribute to the deterioration and damage to these surfaces over time. This aspect highlights their destructive nature when present in proximity to human structures. The other choices, while they may involve elements of a termite's environment or feeding habits, do not accurately describe the primary attachment locations for subterranean termites. For example, while they might interact with leaf litter in the environment, it is not a primary connection point like the sides of buildings, walls, or trees.