What damage does the wood boring beetle typically cause?

The wood boring beetle is known for its ability to tunnel into wood, which directly compromises the structural integrity of the material. As these insects infest and feed on wood, they create extensive galleries within, weakening the wood and making it less able to support weight or withstand stress. This destruction can lead to significant damage in both trees and wooden structures, thereby raising concerns about safety and stability in construction or furniture applications.

The other choices, while related to aspects of damage caused by insects, do not accurately capture the primary threat posed by wood boring beetles. Pinholes in wood may be a visible symptom, but this alone does not encompass the depth of damage. Destruction of bark and outer layers pertains more to different types of pests affecting living trees, rather than wood that has already been cut and processed. Discoloration can occur but is usually a result of other factors like moisture or fungi and is not a main characteristic of wood boring beetle activity. Thus, the option focusing on structural integrity is most fitting when discussing the impact of wood boring beetles.