Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

Which wood destroying beetle is known for re-infesting structures?

1. Formosan Beetle

2. Old House Borer

3. Dampwood Beetle

4. Bostrichid Beetle

The correct answer is: Old House Borer

The Old House Borer is known for its ability to re-infest structures, primarily because it typically targets seasoned wood that is already part of a building's structure. Unlike other wood-destroying beetles, the larvae of the Old House Borer can live within the wood for several years before emerging as adult beetles to mate and lay eggs, thereby perpetuating the cycle of infestation. This lifecycle allows them to persist in an environment, causing ongoing damage to a property, which makes them particularly challenging for pest control efforts. While the Formosan Beetle is also a serious pest, its main concern is often with living trees and its rapid expansion rather than with the ability to infest already occupied structures multiple times. The Dampwood Beetle typically infests moisture-damaged wood, thus not commonly re-infesting wood in well-maintained structures. The Bostrichid Beetles, or powderpost beetles, also cause significant damage but are not specifically noted for re-infestation like the Old House Borer. Overall, the distinctive behaviors and lifecycle of the Old House Borer make it a persistent threat to wooden structures, enabling repeated infestations over time.