What are the common types of wood-destroying insects covered in the exam?

The correct answer includes termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles, which are all recognized as significant wood-destroying insects. These pests can cause substantial damage to wooden structures and materials.

Termites are particularly notorious for their ability to consume wood as part of their diet, leading to serious structural damage if not managed properly. Carpenter ants specifically do not eat wood but burrow through it to build their nests, weakening the structure over time. Wood-boring beetles, which include species like powderpost beetles, also damage wood as their larvae tunnel through it, creating galleries that can compromise the integrity of wooden items.

In contrast, the other options mention insects like cockroaches and house flies, which do not typically cause damage to wood and are not classified as wood-destroying insects. Additionally, while silverfish and certain types of beetles can cause property issues, they do not primarily focus on damaging wooden structures in the way that termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles do. Thus, option B accurately reflects the insects that are prominently associated with wood destruction, making it the correct choice for this question.