What is a common misconception about wood-destroying pests?

The idea that wood-destroying pests only infest old or neglected structures is a common misconception because these organisms can thrive in both new and well-maintained buildings. While conditions such as moisture and wood availability play significant roles in pest attraction, even new homes can be vulnerable to infestations if proper construction practices are not followed. This can include insufficient sealing of joints or gaps that allow pests access to the wood within the structure. Additionally, factors like humidity and the presence of food sources can encourage infestations, which means that even well-maintained buildings can experience issues with wood-destroying pests.

Other options may hint at different misunderstandings regarding wood-destroying organisms, but they do not encapsulate the misconception about the locations or conditions of homes that may be affected. For example, visible identification can be challenging even for trained professionals, and wood-destroying pests can be found in urban areas just as easily as in rural settings. Furthermore, not all pesticides are effective against every type of wood-destroying pest, making it crucial to use targeted treatments rather than assuming a broad approach will be successful.