Which of the following is NOT a sign of wood-destroying pests?

Which of the following is NOT a sign of wood-destroying pests?

• A. Visible tunnels or mud tubes on walls
• B. Dry wood in the structure
• C. Frass or wood dust near wood surfaces
• D. Hollow-sounding wood when tapped

Answer: (B)

The presence of dry wood in a structure is typically not a sign of wood-destroying pests. In fact, dry wood can often indicate an absence of moisture, which is less conducive to infestations by wood-destroying organisms such as termites or wood-boring beetles. These pests are usually attracted to damp or decayed wood, where they find suitable conditions for nesting and feeding. Recognizing that visible signs of infestations often include damage or signs of activity, such as tunnels, mud tubes, frass, or hollow-sounding wood, helps in identifying potential pest problems effectively. In contrast, visible tunnels or mud tubes are direct indicators of pests like subterranean termites, which create these structures as they travel and gather moisture. Frass, or wood dust, usually shows that wood-boring insects are active, while hollow-sounding wood can indicate that pests have compromised its integrity. Thus, dry wood being resistant to these pests does not align with the typical signs of infestation.

The presence of dry wood in a structure is typically not a sign of wood-destroying pests. In fact, dry wood can often indicate an absence of moisture, which is less conducive to infestations by wood-destroying organisms such as termites or wood-boring beetles. These pests are usually attracted to damp or decayed wood, where they find suitable conditions for nesting and feeding. Recognizing that visible signs of infestations often include damage or signs of activity, such as tunnels, mud tubes, frass, or hollow-sounding wood, helps in identifying potential pest problems effectively.

In contrast, visible tunnels or mud tubes are direct indicators of pests like subterranean termites, which create these structures as they travel and gather moisture. Frass, or wood dust, usually shows that wood-boring insects are active, while hollow-sounding wood can indicate that pests have compromised its integrity. Thus, dry wood being resistant to these pests does not align with the typical signs of infestation.