What is the accidental invader that often feeds on molds in new homes?

Study for the Iowa General and Household Pest Management Category 7A Exam. Prepare with interactive multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Stay ahead and ensure your certification success!

The foreign grain beetle is an accidental invader commonly found in new homes, particularly because it has a keen preference for feeding on molds and organic matter that might be present, especially in the construction materials and stored food products.

In new homes, there is often a higher moisture content due to construction processes, and mold can develop as a result. The foreign grain beetle takes advantage of this by feeding not just on mold itself but also on other organic materials that may be present, such as grains and stored food items within the household. Their presence is typically not an indication of poor housekeeping but rather a factor of environmental conditions that favor their survival.

Other options, such as termites, woodboring beetles, and ants, are generally more associated with structural damage or outdoor activity. Termites primarily feed on wood, which can lead to significant structural integrity issues over time. Woodboring beetles also target wood but are less likely to be found in homes merely feeding on mold. Ants can invade homes for food but do not specifically seek out mold as a primary food source like the foreign grain beetle does. Therefore, the behavior and feeding patterns of the foreign grain beetle make it the correct answer to this question.

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