Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection Practice Exam

How old can wood be before the lyctids typically stop re-infesting it?

1. Three years

2. Two years

3. Five years

4. Ten years

The correct answer is: Five years

Lyctids, commonly known as powderpost beetles, are notorious wood-destroying organisms that primarily infest hardwood species. The larvae of lyctid beetles can remain in the wood for an extended period before they emerge as adults. Typically, lyctids will stop re-infesting wood around five years old. This is due to their lifecycle, where newly hatched larvae require wood that has a sufficient level of starch and sugar to survive and thrive. As wood ages, it loses these essential nutrients, making it less appealing for further infestation. Therefore, after about five years, the likelihood of lyctid infestations decreases significantly, and they are unlikely to reinfest unless the wood is freshly cut or has become compromised again in terms of nutrient content.