Under proper conditions, wood can provide centuries of service. However, under conditions that allow wood-degrading organisms, wood must be protected. Organisms that most often degrade wood are fungi, insects, bacteria, and marine borers. Molds, most sapwood stains, and decay are caused by fungi, which are microscopic, thread-like microorganisms that feed on organic material.
Chemical stains, although they are not caused by organisms, are mentioned in this course since they resemble fungal stains. Insects also damage wood and must be considered when applying protective measures. Termites are the major insect enemy of wood, but overall, are a lesser threat than fungi.
Wood biodeterioration is a natural process of has been studied extensively in efforts to avoid or delay the natural decomposition of wood. This course introduces highlights of some of those studies along with some of the most well-known and widely practiced preventative measures.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end and is intended to provide 2 hours of professional development.
Note – This is a low-tech course.
At the conclusion of this course, the student will have learned about or been introduced to the following:
• Fungus Damage and Control
• Molds and Fungal Stains
• Chemical Stains
• Decay
• Prevention of Mold, Stain, and Decay
• Bacteria
• Insect Damage and Control
• Beetles, Termites, Carpenter Ants and Bees
• Shipworms
• Pholads
• Limnoria and Sphaeroma
• Marine Borer Damage
• Protection from Marine Borers
