What type of woods do old house borers prefer?

Old house borers, also known as the old house borer beetle (Hylotrupes bajulus), have a specific preference when it comes to the type of wood they infest. These pests primarily prefer softwoods, particularly those that are structurally sound but have been exposed to the right moisture conditions, making them conducive to infestation.

Softwoods that are relatively young, such as those under 10 years old, are typically still in a phase where they exhibit higher moisture content, which attracts borers seeking to tunnel into the wood for breeding. The younger wood is often easier for larvae to penetrate because it has less density than older wood, leading to a more suitable environment for their development.

The other choices either focus on hardwoods or suggest both hardwoods and softwoods without age consideration. However, hardwoods generally do not provide the same level of suitability for old house borers compared to softwoods. It’s important to recognize that while both soft and hardwoods can be infested by different types of wood-boring insects, the old house borer specifically targets certain conditions that align with softer, younger wood. Thus, the correct understanding hinges on the preference for softwoods and their age suitability that aligns with the pest's lifecycle and