Wood decay organisms have the ability to degrade wood components (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) by enzymatic capacities, but these enzymes can belong to the proper organism, or to the associated microbiota. The identification of the microorganisms, as well as their role in the digestion of many substrates not always is very well known. The wood decay insects produce big damages in wood structures in the warm countries. Some of the most important plagues in the Mediterranean zone are termites (Reticulitermes spp.) and long horn beetles (Hylotrupes bajulus). They can degrade the wood by themselves, and/or by the action of the associated microbiota. Therefore, the control of these insects through manipulation of the associated microbiota. The main goal of this paper has been to identify the microbiota present in R. grassei and H. bajulus, in order to know some of their enzymatic activities (cellulase, chitinase and protease), and how they may play some role in the degradation of wood. The results have shown those activities, that could serve as indicative parameters in the control of both organisms. This study opens future treatment techniques against both pests, within a sustainable bioeconomy.

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