The Powderpost Beetle Can Damage Your Home

CAN A POWDERPOST BEETLE DAMAGE YOUR HOME?

The innocent looking powderpost beetle, likely comes in second only to the termite in terms of the damage it causes to the wood in your home.

WHAT IS A POWDERPOST BEETLE ANYWAY?

Powderpost beetle is the name given to a couple of species of wood-boring beetles that can infest your home or business. Powderpost beetles lay eggs in the pores of wood. Their larvae then hatch from the eggs, feeding on the wood and creating tunnels through the wood as they travel about. The powderpost beetle larvae mature into adult beetles in time. Once the insects reach adulthood, they tunnel their way out of the wood, leaving behind a hole. The powderpost beetle cycle can take years to complete, meaning the larvae will be eating the wood in your home for years.

WHAT IS THE EXTENT OF DAMAGE POWDERPOST BEETLES CAN CAUSE TO YOUR HOME?

Like termites, powderpost beetles will feed on hardwoods — such as oak — and softwoods like pine. As the frames of most homes are built from softwoods, certain species of powderpost beetles can cause structural damage to houses. Some species of powderpost beetles will only eat hardwood, if you are infested with this species, it is possible to discover infestations in wood paneling, crown molding, window, door frames, plywood, hardwood floors and furniture.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A POWDERPOST BEETLE INFESTATION?

If you don’t see powderpost beetles, one of the ways to know that you have a problem is to see the wood particles that come out of the holes the powderpost beetles make as they move about – it might look like very fine saw dust.
The debris powderpost beetles leave can be extremely fine — like flour or baby powder — or slightly gritty like sawdust. The best way to determine whether the residue you find in your home is a result of powderpost beetle damage is to arrange for an inspection by an Evans Pest Control trained pest control professional who will be able to identify the culprit.

HOW CAN I DEAL WITH A POWDERPOST BEETLE INFESTATION?

A trained pest control technician from Evans Pest Control will inspect your house and evaluate your pest problem to determine if powderpost beetles are the insects causing damage to your home.
If you think you’ve spotted signs of powderpost beetle damage in your home or business, don’t wait until the damage gets worse. Contact Evans Pest Control to schedule an inspection.