What do old house borers do to the wood?

Old house borers primarily affect wood by tunneling through it as they develop from larvae into adult beetles. This activity does not lead to the complete destruction of the wood but can indeed result in significant structural damage over time. Re-infestation occurs when adult beetles emerge from the wood, potentially laying eggs in the same or nearby wooden structures, leading to a cycle of damage.

By infesting wood, old house borers weaken its integrity and can create extensive tunnel systems that compromise the material. This behavior highlights the pest's role in the degradation and continued risk to wooden structures, making the concept of re-infestation particularly relevant. It's crucial to recognize how this cycle contributes to ongoing damage and the necessity for pest control measures in managing old house borer populations.