Is it necessary to inspect painted wood surfaces for powderpost beetle infestations?

Powderpost beetles primarily infest raw or unfinished wood, as they require softwood to lay their eggs and for their larvae to feed. Painted surfaces often deter beetles because the paint acts as a barrier preventing access to the wood. It is generally not necessary to inspect painted wood surfaces for powderpost beetle infestations, as these insects are unlikely to penetrate painted wood. Therefore, inspecting painted wood may not yield significant results in terms of identifying infestations, thereby making the assertion that it is necessary to inspect such surfaces incorrect.

While unpainted wood or structural components may require thorough inspections to ensure there are no active infestations, painted surfaces do not typically need to be prioritized in an inspection strategy for powderpost beetle presence.