The elongate flatheaded woodborers often have a metallic sheen. Powderpost beetles are small, brown to black insects. Any of these may be seen crawling or flying in the room or accumulating at windows or light fixtures as they move to light. These insects are harmless. Carpenter ants and termites may also be found in firewood that has been wet or stacked in one place for a long time.
Termite colonies are in the soil so only workers are found in the wood.
Termites form mud tunnels and this mud can be found in wood that they are attacking. Carpenter ant galleries are very clean, with no mud or sawdust. Individuals brought into the house in logs will not start an infestation but a colony may exist in old wood piles outdoors. Shelter Seekers Many insects seek overwintering sites under loose bark or in hollow trees. Possibilities include many types of beetles, wood cockroaches, and even overwintering wasp or hornet queens.