Wood is an inherently durable material which is resistant to most biological attack provided it stays dry.

Below is a few examples of wood dry/wet rot:

~ Loss in strength, softening or disintegration of wood.
~ Wood Discolouring.
~ Fungal Mycelium, strands or fruiting bodies.
~ Distinctive 'mushroom' smell.
~ Presence of wood boring insects.

Symptoms of insect infestation:

~ Holes in the wood surface.
~ Bore Dust.
~ Tunnels beneath the surface.
~ Larvae found by probing.
~ Surface irregularities (usually bumps or corrugations).

Remedial treatment Procedure for dry/wet rot.

~ Locate and eliminate sources of moisture.
~ Promote rapid drying of structure.
~Introduce support measures (create ventilation or provide barriers).
~ Remove all rotted timber infected by dry rot by cutting away 300mm-450mm
  beyond the last evidence of fungus or rot.
~ Contain fungus within wall. Apply surface biocides, fungicidal paints or renders to
  to wall surfaces. injection can be used to create a barrier between masonry and
  adjacent timbers.
~ Apply superficial preservative treatment.
~ Any replacement timber must be pre treated.