What Kind of Bugs Eat Wood?

I’ve noticed damage to the wood around my property. What kinds of bugs could be eating it?

Termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, and wood-boring beetles are the most common bugs that eat wood or damage wooden structures.

• Termites consume wood as a food source and can cause serious structural damage inside walls, floors, and foundations. 
• Carpenter ants do not eat wood, but they excavate it to create nesting galleries, especially where moisture is present. 
• Carpenter bees bore into exposed, unfinished wood to make tunnels for their nests.
• Wood-boring beetles, including powderpost beetles, can leave small holes and weaken beams, flooring, furniture, and other wooden materials.

Common signs of wood-destroying insects include hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings, mud tubes, small exit holes, sawdust-like material, sagging floors, and doors or windows that suddenly stick. Some damage remains hidden for years, which is why visible evidence should not be ignored.

If you suspect you have insects that eat wood, avoid disturbing the area and schedule a professional inspection. Identifying the pest correctly is important because termites, carpenter ants, bees, and beetles require different treatment approaches.

For help with wood-destroying bugs, book a free inspection with Gregory Pest Solutions.