Wood-Destroying Insects in Tennessee: Pest ID Guide
What Are Wood-Destroying Insects?
Wood-destroying insects damage the wood in homes by eating it, tunneling through it, or nesting in it. In Tennessee, five groups account for nearly all of that damage. Each one leaves different signs, and identifying the right one is the first step toward the right treatment.- Termites: Eat wood; the most serious threat in Tennessee
- Carpenter ants: Carve out nests in wood but don’t eat it
- Carpenter bees: Drill round holes to nest in exposed wood
- Powderpost beetles: Larvae reduce wood to fine powder
- Old house borers: Larvae tunnel through softwood framing
How to Tell Them Apart by the Damage
Termites
Look for mud tubes on foundations, shed wings, and wood with layered galleries packed with soil. Subterranean termites cause the vast majority of termite damage in Tennessee. See our termite guide and subterranean termite guide.
Carpenter Ants
Look for piles of coarse sawdust mixed with insect parts, and large black ants indoors, especially at night. Their galleries are smooth and clean. See our carpenter ant guide.
Carpenter Bees
Look for perfectly round, half-inch holes on the underside of eaves, decks, fascia, and railings, often with sawdust and yellow staining below. See our carpenter bee guide.
Powderpost Beetles
Look for tiny round holes and fine powder or gritty dust in floors, furniture, trim, and crawl space framing. See our powderpost beetle guide.
Old House Borers
Look for oval holes about 1/4 to 3/8 inch wide in softwood framing, and listen for clicking inside walls on warm days. See our old house borer guide.
Why Moisture Matters
Most wood-destroying insects are drawn to damp wood. Subterranean termites need moisture to survive, anobiid powderpost beetles thrive in humid crawl spaces, and carpenter ants often start in wood softened by leaks. Wet wood also invites wood-destroying fungi, which cause rot on their own. Keeping your crawl space dry is one of the best forms of protection; learn about crawl space encapsulation.
Wood-Destroying Insect Inspections
A professional inspection checks your foundation, crawl space, attic, and exterior wood for all of these insects at once, along with moisture problems that invite them. Many lenders also require a wood-destroying insect inspection when a home is bought or sold. An annual inspection is the most reliable way to catch problems early.
Schedule a free inspection, or learn about our termite control services.
Prevention Tips for Every Wood-Destroying Insect
- Fix moisture: Repair leaks, clean gutters, and direct downspouts away from the house.
- Break wood-to-soil contact: Keep siding, trim, and deck posts off the ground.
- Protect exposed wood: Paint or seal decks, eaves, and trim.
- Store wood carefully: Keep firewood and lumber away from the house and off the ground.
- Replace damaged wood: Rotted or tunneled wood attracts more insects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common wood-destroying insects in Tennessee?
Subterranean termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, powderpost beetles, and old house borers. Termites cause the most damage.
How can I tell termite damage from carpenter ant damage?
Termite galleries look rough and are packed with soil or mud. Carpenter ant galleries are smooth and clean, and the ants push out piles of coarse sawdust.
What is a WDI inspection?
A wood-destroying insect (WDI) inspection checks a home for termites and other wood-destroying insects. Lenders often require one when a home is bought or sold.
Do wood-destroying insects only attack damp wood?
Not always, but most prefer it. Moisture makes wood easier to attack and helps many of these insects survive, so drying out problem areas is a key part of prevention.
How often should I have my home inspected?
Once a year is the standard recommendation in Tennessee.
