OPM Termite Practice Exam

Which beetles are known for their ability to reinfest wood?

1. Deathwatch beetles, Branch and Twig Borers, True Powder Post Beetle

2. Metallic Wood Borers, Longhorned Beetles, Bark and Timber Beetle

3. Carpenter Beetles, Wood Boring Beetles, Roundheaded Borers

4. Powder Post Beetles, Old House Borers, Bark Beetles

The correct answer is: Deathwatch beetles, Branch and Twig Borers, True Powder Post Beetle

The ability of certain beetles to reinfest wood is a significant aspect of their life cycle and the damage they can cause to structures. Deathwatch beetles are known for infesting and damaging seasoned wood, producing characteristic tapping sounds that indicate their presence. Branch and Twig Borers target living trees or freshly cut wood, allowing them to easily infest and damage wood that has not completely dried out. True Powder Post Beetles are particularly notorious for their ability to create new infestations within the wood they already inhabit, as they deposit eggs in existing wood rather than seeking out fresh timber. These species are specifically adapted to exploit the same wood structures repeatedly, making them particularly problematic in terms of managing infestations and preventing further damage. Other options contain beetles that may not exhibit the same level of reinfestation capability or may target different forms of wood or live plants rather than seasoned wood. Understanding the characteristics and behaviors of these beetles allows for better management and treatment strategies in pest control practices.