What is the primary characteristic of Old House Borers?

The primary characteristic of Old House Borers is that they prefer hardwoods, specifically those that have been previously damaged or are decaying. These pests are known to infest a variety of hardwood species, and their larvae create extensive damage to the wood as they feed. The Old House Borer, scientifically referred to as Hylotrupes bajulus, generally targets hardwoods over softwoods, which differentiates them from other wood-boring beetles that may favor softwood species.

In considering the other options, the assertion of them being the smallest wood-destroying beetles is not accurate, as Old House Borers are larger compared to many other wood-boring species. Additionally, the claim that they primarily infest softwoods is incorrect; their association with hardwoods is more significant in their life cycle. Furthermore, the remark about not re-infesting structural wood does not hold true, as Old House Borers can cause multiple generations in wood if conditions are favorable. This underscores the importance of identifying and managing these pests effectively to prevent extensive damage to wooden structures.