What is a possible consequence of untreated wood-destroying insects?

Untreated wood-destroying insects can lead to severe structural failures due to the damage they inflict on the integrity of wooden structures. Insects such as termites, carpenter ants, and wood-boring beetles feed on wood, which can compromise beams, support structures, and other crucial components of a building. Over time, the destruction they cause can weaken the overall stability of the structure, potentially leading to expensive repairs, safety hazards, or even collapse.

While the other choices highlight valid concerns associated with pest management, they don’t directly relate to the immediate and critical risk presented by untreated wood-destroying insects. For instance, a decrease in pest management effectiveness does not directly result from untreated wood-destroying insects, but rather from broader practices in pest control. Similarly, a reduction in pest populations might suggest effective management strategies, and higher property insurance rates can be a consequence of various risk factors, but they don't directly illustrate the immediate threat of structural integrity loss posed by wood-destroying insects. Thus, the primary concern remains the potential for severe structural failures if the infestation is left unaddressed.