Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection Practice Exam

What is often a contributing factor to serious powderpost beetle infestations?

1. Using treated wood

2. Installing new lumber

3. Using old lumber from a barn or wood pile

4. Storing wood improperly

The correct answer is: Using old lumber from a barn or wood pile

The presence of old lumber from a barn or wood pile is frequently a significant contributing factor to serious powderpost beetle infestations. This type of wood typically has been exposed to ideal conditions for beetle activity, such as higher moisture content and the potential for existing infestations. Powderpost beetles are known to target hardwoods, particularly those that have been previously damaged or weakened. Using previously untreated or older wood increases the risk of introducing beetle larvae into the home or structure, as these pests may have already laid eggs in the wood prior to its use in construction or renovation. When old wood is repurposed without proper treatment or inspection, it can lead to a heightened risk of infestation once it is installed in a new environment. On the other hand, while treated wood, newly installed lumber, and improperly stored wood can have varying effects on pest infestations, they are not as directly associated with the powderpost beetle as old lumber is. Treated wood is specifically designed to resist such infestations, while newly installed lumber typically does not harbor existing infestations that are common in older or reclaimed wood. Poorly stored wood may attract pests, but it is the intrinsic qualities and history of old lumber that often make it a more potent source