Which pest will reinfest a structure after initial infestation?

The Old House Borer, a species of wood-boring beetle, is known for its ability to reinfest structures after an initial infestation. This pest can live for a number of years within the wood, and the larvae continue to develop and emerge as adults if conditions are favorable. They can infest older wood within structures, which may not have been treated or adequately maintained, leading to recurring infestations over time.

In contrast, the New House Borer typically prefers fresher wood and does not reinfest in the same manner; once the original wood source is exhausted, they are unlikely to establish new colonies. Termites, while they can cause serious structural damage, typically do not reinfest the same location in the same manner as old house borers do, as they will move to new locations once the food source is depleted. Carpenter ants, although they can establish nests in wood, do not bore into wood to feed. They are more likely to infest actively moist or damaged wood but can also relocate or expand nests based on availability of resources.

The ability of the Old House Borer to remain within and damage the same structural wood well after the initial infestation makes it a noteworthy concern for long-term structural integrity.