Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

Which type of wood products is primarily attacked by Lyctid beetles?

1. Lumber and newly manufactured products

2. Structural timbers and lumber

3. Only hardwoods

4. Non-manufactured wood products

The correct answer is: Lumber and newly manufactured products

Lyctid beetles, commonly known as powderpost beetles, primarily target wood products that contain starch, which is predominantly found in hardwoods. They are particularly attracted to freshly cut lumber and newly manufactured wood products because these are still in a vulnerable state without extensive treatment or aging that can deter their infestation. These beetles can lay eggs in the wood, and once the larvae hatch, they burrow into the wood, feeding on it and creating fine, powdery frass as they dig. While structural timbers and lumber can also be affected due to their composition, the emphasis on "newly manufactured products" captures the specific habitat where Lyctid beetles are most active and prone to cause damage. This is because older wood or products that have been treated are less likely to be infested. The options focusing only on hardwoods or non-manufactured wood products do not encompass the broader range of newly processed products that these beetles prefer. Thus, the recognition of newly manufactured wood in the correct response aligns with the environmental conditions in which Lyctid beetles thrive.