Insects that destroy wood are a cause of special concern to homeowners because wood is used for support beams in most houses in this area. Termites are a problem because they eat new as well as old wood. Carpenter ants do not eat wood, but hollow out wood for nests. They tend to attack damp or damaged wood so are easier to prevent than termites. Carpenter bees attack wood from the outside, and drill holes to lead to galleries parallel to the grain. They tend to like wood that is somewhat aged and unprotected by paint. Powderpost beetles and old house borers both attack structural wood and can cause extensive damage.