Which of the following is an example of a structural pest commonly found in agriculture?

Which of the following is an example of a structural pest commonly found in agriculture?

• A. Termites
• B. Beetles
• C. Grasshoppers
• D. Crickets

Answer: (A)

Termites are considered a structural pest commonly found in agriculture because they primarily feed on wood and other cellulose materials, which can lead to significant damage to structures such as barns, silos, and even fences made from wood or containing wood components. Their ability to compromise the integrity of these structures makes them particularly detrimental in agricultural settings where wooden infrastructure is prevalent. In contrast, beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets tend to be more recognized as crop pests rather than structural pests. Beetles, for example, can damage crops directly through feeding, while grasshoppers may consume large quantities of leaves, stems, and even roots, affecting plant viability. Crickets can also contribute to crop damage, particularly in seedling stages. However, their impact is generally focused on the plants themselves rather than causing structural damage to agricultural facilities. Thus, termites stand out as the primary structural pest in this context.

Termites are considered a structural pest commonly found in agriculture because they primarily feed on wood and other cellulose materials, which can lead to significant damage to structures such as barns, silos, and even fences made from wood or containing wood components. Their ability to compromise the integrity of these structures makes them particularly detrimental in agricultural settings where wooden infrastructure is prevalent.

In contrast, beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets tend to be more recognized as crop pests rather than structural pests. Beetles, for example, can damage crops directly through feeding, while grasshoppers may consume large quantities of leaves, stems, and even roots, affecting plant viability. Crickets can also contribute to crop damage, particularly in seedling stages. However, their impact is generally focused on the plants themselves rather than causing structural damage to agricultural facilities. Thus, termites stand out as the primary structural pest in this context.