Powder Post Beetle

Powder Post Beetle: Information, Pictures, and Facts

Wood-boring insects like termites can infest your house and cause significant damage.  However, what you may not know is that termites are not the only pests that destroy your home. Powder post beetles can also cause extensive damage.

Read on to learn more about the powder post beetle, how to identify it, and prevent an infestation.

Facts, Identification, and Control

Below are some facts about Powder post Beetle

Latin Name

Family Bostrichidae

Appearance

Powder post beetles measure about a quarter of an inch long, but you can find some species that are two inches long. They have a reddish-brown color that appears black.

These beetles have a cylinder-shaped body, and the insect’s body hides its head. The larvae are c-shaped and have a cream color with a dark brown head. Check out our powder post beetle picture further in this article.

Facts About Powder Post Beetle

Powder post beetle consists of different species of wood-destroying beetles. They get their name from the powdery and fine excrement that collects under infested wood. These beetles can infest dry and seasoned wood. Some species feed on softwood, while others consume hardwood.

The adult powder post beetle mates and lays its eggs on unfinished wood surfaces. Powder post beetle larvae bore their way into the wood as pupae and leave behind powdery dust.

The larvae take ten years before it matures to adulthood. It finally becomes an adult and emerges through an exit hole. These holes are 1/16 to 1/32 inches, and they are round.

Where Do They Live?

These beetles love to nest on young wood and often attack hardwoods.

What Do They Eat?

Powder post beetles consume bamboo, walnut, maple, oak, hickory, and ash. They require at least 32% moisture levels for them to survive.

How Did I Get Powder Post Beetle?

You can get powder post beetles if you have unfinished wood products or lumber. Items like furniture, ornaments, and paneling can attract these pests. Having wood piles or old barn wood could also increase your risk of infestation.

How Serious are Powder Post Beetle Problems?

Powder post beetles can cause problems like:

Causing Structural Damage

If you bring wood that’s already infested with these beetles inside your house, you’ll eventually end up with an infestation. Large groups of powder post beetles are dangerous as they cause extensive structural damage.

What Can I Do About Powder Post Beetle?

Powder Post Beetle Image

If you have powder post beetle or suspect that you may be having an infestation, you need to get a moisture barrier to reduce their abundance. Replace any boards that may be affected. Also, consider getting help from a pest management professional to manage the infestation.

Signs of a Powder Post Beetle Infestation

One common indication of powder post beetles is the presence of small holes in the wood surface. The holes resemble the size of a pencil tip. Furthermore, the margins of the exit holes are white, or they may resemble the underlying wood.

These beetles leave behind a mess of dust that gets out of the wood.  Droppings around the exit holes reveal an infestation of adult powder post beetles. Powder post beetle’s frass is powdery and light, while other pests are grainy.

Powder Post Beetle Prevention and Control Tips

You can control and remove the powder post beetle by:

Applying Borate

Apply borate treatment to the outside of the furniture. While this powder may not kill larvae, the treatment will reduce further powder post beetles from entering your house and laying eggs. You may also need to get a treatment that destroys the larvae inside your furniture.

Reduce Moisture

Powder post beetles require moisture to survive. For you to eliminate them, you need to keep moisture levels below 13%. That will make the environment unfavorable for them to seek a habitat or lay their eggs.

You can get a moisture barrier and place it in the crawl space. Also, covering the soil with polyethylene can help reduce the movement of moisture. Increase airflow to ensure moisture doesn’t settle in crawl spaces.

Get Rid of the Infested Area and Parts

Remove any infested furniture from your house. Check your paneling for infestation and remove the piece to prevent further spread of the beetles. If you notice powder post beetle holes on other woods, apply an insecticidal treatment.

Inspect Furniture and Wooden Items When Purchasing

Before buying any furniture or wooden objects, make sure that the wood is varnished and sanded. You can also check if the furniture has kiln-dried wood. You can also apply varnish, paint, and shellac to untreated lumber in the house.

Powder Post Beetle Professional Pest Control

No method is full proof and is guaranteed to remove powder post beetles. These pests can enter your home inside of cured and well-stored lumbar.

You need the help of a professional pest control company to eliminate the beetles. They provide an effective and safe way to get rid of powder post beetles.

FAQ’s:

How do I get rid of powderpost beetles in rough-cut lumber and small wooden items?

To get rid of powderpost beetles in rough-cut lumber and small wooden items, you should dry it in a kiln to kill all stages of the beetle. Reducing moisture may not be enough to control powderpost beetle infestations completely. Sand and apply varnish on the wood so that it will not be attractive to adult beetles.

Is it okay to use fumigation when dealing with powderpost beetles?

Yes, it is okay to use fumigation when dealing with powderpost beetles. However, fumigation is not an effective means for preventing future infestations. Also, fumigation must be performed by a certified pest control professional.

Are powderpost beetles harmful to humans?

No, powderpost beetles are not harmful to humans, but they are very dangerous to the wood structure in your home. Powderpost beetles do not bite or sting humans.