Georgia Correctional Officer (CO) Practice Exam

Which wood-destroying beetle is commonly found in attics?

1. Formosan Beetle

2. Ambrosia Beetle

3. Dampwood Beetle

4. Old House Borer

The correct answer is: Old House Borer

The Old House Borer is indeed the wood-destroying beetle commonly found in attics. This beetle is known for its association with structural wood, specifically in older homes where the wood may be more susceptible to infestation. The larvae of the Old House Borer live within the wood, creating tunnels as they feed, which can significantly weaken the structural integrity of the timber over time. Unlike the Formosan Beetle, which is more prevalent in southern regions and tends to attack live or stressed trees, or the Ambrosia Beetle, which burrows into healthy trees and carries fungi for food, the Old House Borer specifically targets already dried, seasoned wood that is often present in attics. The Dampwood Beetle, on the other hand, prefers damp, decaying wood and is less likely to be found in the typically dry environments of attics. Thus, the distinctive habits of the Old House Borer and its preference for older, seasoned wood make it the beetle most commonly associated with attic infestations.