Which type of wood do furniture beetles prefer?

Furniture beetles, specifically the common furniture beetle (Anobium punctatum), have a distinct preference for old, seasoned wood. This preference is due to the wood's dryness and its potential to house larvae, which can thrive in the conditions provided by furniture and structural timbers that have been dried over time. The life cycle of these beetles often involves laying eggs in cracks and crevices of wooden furniture, where the larvae can then feed and develop.

New wood is generally not as favorable for furniture beetles because it is often still too moist and has not had the opportunity to dry out, making it less suitable for larval development. Additionally, wood that is treated with chemicals or those that are dry and rotting do not provide the ideal conditions that these beetles prefer for laying eggs and for the larvae’s nourishment. Thus, the recognition that furniture beetles thrive in old, seasoned wood aligns with the understanding of their biological requirements and habitat.