What is not a characteristic of the old house borer?

The old house borer is known for its distinct characteristics which include its ability to infest structural wood, create exit holes, and its presence in both new and old buildings. The notable aspect regarding damage is that it often takes time for the damage caused by the old house borer to become evident. While there might be some initial signs of infestation, visible damage does not typically manifest immediately. This delay in noticeable damage is due to the life cycle of the pest, which can involve long periods of larval feeding before their presence is detected through significant structural harm.

Thus, the assertion that damage is noticed shortly after infestation does not align with the common behavior of the old house borer.