Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection Practice Exam

Which pest is most commonly associated with structural damage in homes aside from termites?

1. Carpenter ants

2. Powderpost beetles

3. Carpenter bees

4. Woodpeckers

The correct answer is: Carpenter ants

Carpenter ants are indeed the pest most commonly associated with structural damage in homes aside from termites. These ants are known for their behavior of tunneling through wood to establish their nests. Unlike termites, which consume the wood, carpenter ants excavate it to create living spaces, leading to significant structural damage over time if infestations are not addressed. The presence of carpenter ants can often indicate moisture problems in the structure, as they are attracted to damp or decaying wood. Inspectors often look for signs of their activity, such as sawdust or frass, and the presence of their trails, which can guide them to the source of the infestation. In contrast, while powderpost beetles can also damage wood, their activity tends to be less prevalent than that of carpenter ants in many regions. Carpenter bees do bore holes in wood but typically do not cause as much structural damage as carpenter ants. Woodpeckers are known for pecking at wood, but they usually do so for foraging insects rather than creating damage to the structure itself. Thus, carpenter ants stand out as a prime concern for structural integrity in residential properties.