What type of wood does brown rot primarily attack?

Brown rot primarily attacks softwoods, which are trees that typically produce softer, less dense wood. This type of wood is particularly susceptible because it contains less lignin compared to hardwoods, making it easier for the brown rot fungus to break down the cellulose found in the wood structure. As a result, brown rot results in the decay of the wood, leading to significant structural damage.

In contrast, hardwoods are generally denser and have a more complex structure, making them less susceptible to the same types of fungal attacks. Bamboo and engineered wood, while they may also experience various deterioration processes, are not the primary targets of brown rot. Bamboo is a grass and has different decay characteristics, while engineered wood is manufactured from composite materials that may not be affected in the same way as natural wood. Understanding the specific vulnerabilities of different wood types to fungal attack is crucial for effective pest management and prevention strategies in structural pest control.