What type of wood do the larvae of the Old House Borer typically infest?

The larvae of the Old House Borer are known to infest a range of wood types, specifically both hardwoods and softwoods. This adaptability allows them to thrive in various environments as they can target different sources of nutrition.

Hardwoods, which include species like oak and maple, tend to provide a suitable habitat due to their density and nutrient content. Meanwhile, softwoods such as pine and cedar are also susceptible to infestation. This characteristic makes Old House Borers a significant concern in structures that may use either type of wood for framing and other structural elements.

Other options, such as limiting the infestation to only decaying wood or restricting it to painted wood, do not accurately represent the behavior of these pests. The Old House Borer does not specifically favor wood that is decaying or treated with paint, as their larvae can penetrate and survive in healthy wood as well. The fact that they can infest a broad spectrum of wood types highlights their versatile nature and the need for vigilant monitoring in homes and buildings.