(Latin: Family Siricidae)
Wood wasps only lay eggs in trees that still have their bark, so they are unlikely to enter a house, except in timber already infested. It would, in fact, be possible to buy furniture containing these larvae.
There is no risk of these insects spreading in the house, and it is very unlikely that they will be present in such numbers as to weaken the furniture. However, they may well cause damage when they emerge as adults.
They can, for example, gnaw through floor boards and floor coverings or through roofing felt, or even lead sheeting (p. 163).
In some places wood wasps cause considerable damage in forests. This is why timber exported to Australia has to be guaranteed free from wood wasps.
These insects have a rather frightening appearance but in fact they never attack man and do not sting.
"Pests in House and Home"
"Bed Bugs - Bites, Stings and Itches"
"Food Pests"
"Husets dyreliv" (Insects Around the House - Only danish)
"Skadedyr i træ" (Timber Pests - Only danish)
"Stuefluen" (Common Housefly - Only danish)