What impact can untreated wood have on pest attraction?

Untreated wood plays a significant role in pest attraction because it offers both a food source and habitat for wood-destroying insects, such as termites and carpenter ants. These pests are naturally drawn to materials that can provide the necessary nutrients for their survival and reproduction. Untreated wood, being rich in cellulose, a primary component of plant cell walls, is particularly appealing to these insects. Additionally, untreated wood can retain moisture, which creates an ideal environment for pests to thrive.

In contrast, other options suggest that untreated wood might reduce pest activity, have no impact, or even repel pests. However, these notions fail to recognize the basic biology and behavior of wood-destroying insects, which rely on materials like untreated wood for sustenance and nesting. Thus, the presence of untreated wood in an environment significantly increases the likelihood of pest infestation.