Monoterpenes profile and high temperature as a potential factors in the infestation of wooden structures by Hylotrupes bajulus L

Hylotrupes bajulus L. is a dangerous destroyer of wooden structures. Monoterpenes (mainly α-pinene and 3-carene) attract of this beetle females to lay eggs on wood. The phenomenon of sporadic occurrence of old house borer larvae in old wooden structures and its reappearance in these structures after the previous use of hot air to old house borer combating has been known for many decades. The causes of these phenomena were not explained. In this work, it was hypothesized that the cause of these phenomena was poor attraction of this wood for females due to the reduced amount of monoterpenes in such wood. An experiment was carried out on the possibility of developing old house borer larvae in old natural aged wood. Tests were also carried out on the profile of monoterpenes in uninfested old natural aged wood, contemporary wood and contemporary wood after heating at high temperature. The possibility of development of newly hatched H. bajulus larvae in old natural aged wood and a high concentration of monoterpenes (mainly α-pinene and 3-carene) in such wood were found. The sporadic presence of old house borer larvae in very old wooden structures cannot be explained directly by a reduction in the concentration of attracting monoterpenes. The concentration of monoterpenes in contemporary wood after exposure to high temperature was whereas significantly reduced. This may be the reason for sporadic cases of repeated attacks on structures previously exposed to very hot air. • The infestation wooden constructions by old house borer larvae is a serious problem. • Freshly hatched old house borer larvae can develop in old natural aged pine wood. • Monoterpenes profile and high temperature are potential factors of infestation. • Heating reduces monoterpenes amount in wood and old house borer attraction. • The factors have a practical significance on maintenance of old wooden constructions.