Which type of wood is most commonly targeted by wood-destroying organisms?

Wood-destroying organisms, such as termites, wood-boring beetles, and fungi, primarily target softwood materials because these types of wood are generally more susceptible to infestation due to their cellular structure. Softwoods, which include species like pine, spruce, and fir, tend to have a lower density and a higher moisture content than hardwoods, making them more attractive to pests that prefer to burrow or feed on wood.

Moreover, softwood is often more widely used in construction and building practices, as it is typically less expensive and easier to work with than hardwoods. This prevalence in structures increases their likelihood of encountering wood-destroying organisms. In contrast, hardwood materials, while they can still be affected, are generally denser, more durable, and thus less susceptible to damage. Composite wood products, while they can be targeted under certain conditions, are often treated to resist pests or are made from a mixture of materials that do not provide the same food source as natural wood.

Metal structures, on the other hand, are not targeted by wood-destroying organisms since these pests do not have the ability to consume or damage metal materials.