Insects that Infest Wood

Beetles

• Several beetle species can infest wood, including powderpost beetles, flatheaded borers, roundheaded borers and old house borers. Depending on the species, they may infest rotting wood in the yard, wood flooring, lumber piles, cabinets, furniture and felled logs. Certain beetles, like the false powderpost beetle, bore round holes in wood, while others, such as the roundheaded borers, create tunnels and residual powder. To prevent beetle infestations, finish all wood products with paint, varnish or wax. Treatment options include surface insecticides and fumigation.

Ants

• Long-term carpenter ant infestations can cause severe damage to wood. Carpenter ants tunnel into outdoor and indoor wood and commonly are found in tree stumps, logs, planting boxes, attic areas, insulation, structural wood, and hollow doors or beams. As noted by the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, just because you notice carpenter ants in your home doesn't mean that a nest is present, and spraying insecticides to control ant activity may make the problem worse. Isolate the location of the nest by spraying your home's foundation. If ant activity decreases, the source of the nest is probably outside your home. If it stays the same, you may have an indoor infestation and should contact a professional to eliminate the problem.

Bees and Wasps

• Carpenter bees and horntail wasps like to build their nests in unfinished wood. Carpenter bees aren't aggressive, although females may sting if they're defending their nests. Horntail wasps are harmless to people, but they can cause cosmetic damage to wood when they're not controlled. Both carpenter bees and horntail wasps only attack unfinished wood, so prevent problems by painting or staining all exposed wood. Treat wood that's infested with carpenter bees at night, which is when the bees are less active and unlikely to sting.

Termites

• Termites are some of the most damaging wood-infesting pests. According to the Pacific Northwest Insect Management Handbook, termites cause as much damage to homes in the U.S. on an annual basis as fires. Termites resemble ants, but they have a uniform body shape, and their hind wings and fore wings are sized identically. Unlike other wood-infesting insects, termites don't use wood as shelter. Instead, they consume and convert the cellulose found in wood into sugar for an energy source. If you suspect a termite infestation, consult a licensed professional to discuss treatment options.