Under proper conditions, wood will provide centuries of service. However, under conditions that permit the development of wood-degrading organisms, protection must be provided during processing, merchandising, and use. The organisms that can degrade wood are principally fungi, insects, bacteria, and marine borers. Molds, most sapwood stains, and decay are caused by fungi, which are microscopic, thread-like microorganisms that require organic material to live. Chemical stains, although they are not caused by organisms, are mentioned in this course, as they resemble the stains caused by fungi. Insects also may damage wood and in many situations must be taken into consideration when applying protective measures. Termites are the major insect enemy of wood, but on a national scale, they are a less serious threat than fungi. Bacteria in wood ordinarily are of little consequence, but some may make the wood excessively absorptive.

Topics: Fungus Damage and Control; Molds and Fungal Stains; Chemical Stains; Decay; Prevention of Mold, Stain, and Decay; Bacteria; Insect Damage and Control 14-9 • Beetles, Termites, Carpenter Ants and Bees; Marine Borer Damage and Control; Shipworms; Pholads; Limnoria and Sphaeroma; Protection from Marine Borers.