In Europe, most of the timber used in construction is made from softwood species that are poorly or not durable against wood-boring organisms (beetles, termites, decay fungi). Timber with a moisture content of less than 20% can be attacked and degraded by different species of insect whose larvae consume wood and significantly reduce its mechanical strength. The risk of attack by wood-boring insects exists irrespective of the wood end-use, although the frequency and importance of the insect occurrence depends on the geographical region considered. The identification of insect species harmful to wood and derived materials is essential in order to monitor the movement of populations over long periods and anticipate the risk of invasions from new territories. Therefore, we established an inventory of the main insect species causing damage to wood used inside and/or outside buildings in Europe, based on existing publications, maps and questionnaires sent to a group of European experts on the problems due to insects in the construction sector. At least 83 insect species have been identified, evidence of whose attacks can be found in buildings. A new distribution map, based on the gathered information, is proposed for the two main pests, the subterranean and drywood termites. A map of distribution was also drawn for two representatives of dry wood boring insects, the furniture beetle Anobium punctatum and the house longhorn beetle Hylotrupes bajulus, two other species known to cause significant damage to wood used for building purpose in Europe.

Download document (620 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document