Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) Home Inspection Practice Exam

Anobiids prefer to infest wood that is characterized as what?

1. Charred

2. Dry

3. Damp

4. New

The correct answer is: Damp

Anobiids, commonly known as wood-boring beetles, prefer to infest wood that is damp. This preference for damp wood is due to the ideal conditions for their larvae, which require a moist environment to thrive and develop. When wood is damp, it not only provides the necessary moisture but also tends to be softer and easier for the larvae to penetrate and consume. Anobiids are particularly associated with wood that has been exposed to excessive moisture, whether from leaks, high humidity, or other sources of water intrusion. While other types of wood might contribute to issues with pest infestations, such as charred or very dry wood, they do not create the favorable conditions that damp wood does. New wood can also be at risk but typically only if it becomes damp. The significant factor that consistently attracts Anobiids is the moisture content in wood, making the characterization of wood as damp the correct answer here.