How to identify and get rid of powderpost beetles

Have you noticed bits of sawdust around the wooden structures of your home? Or what about small holes that look like someone blasted your exposed beams and posts with a shotgun? If that seems to be true, then you could be dealing with powderpost beetles.

Powderpost beetles are a group of small beetles that infest dry, seasoned wood. These pests are pretty stealthy, doing their damage below the surface. The females lay their eggs inside the exposed wood, and the larvae tunnel through it, turning it into powder. You really only know you have a problem when the adults emerge from the wood and create exit holes.

If an infestation goes unnoticed for a while, it can compromise the integrity of structural woodwork. However, the beetles can infest more than just beams and posts. They have been known to damage furniture, picture frames, flooring, and even gunstocks.

There are over seventy species of powderpost beetles, so they may look a bit different but have some similar characteristics. Sometimes they can be confused for termites. They typically have a long, narrow body with an exposed head. One of the best ways to determine if you have powderpost beetles is look at the damage they do. Look for small holes in wood with a powdery, sawdust material below the exit holes.

How big are powderpost beetles?

Powderpost beetles are normally only 1/8 to 3/4 inch long.

You can find powderpost beetles throughout the US. They are commonly found in wooden floors, timber structures, furniture and stored lumber.

It can be difficult to get rid of a powderpost beetle infestation after the larvae start boring into wood. However, there are a few things you can do to prevent and eliminate any further damage.

• Paint, varnish, stain, or wax: By treating your wood with paint, stain, varnish, or wax, you can prevent female beetles from laying their eggs in your wood. However, this won’t eliminate any larvae already in the wood.
• Properly store wood items: Don’t leave wooden items in barns or sheds where powderpost beetles can access them.
• Reduce humidity in the home: Lowering the moisture levels in your home can make the environment less hospitable for the beetles.
• Replace infested wood: If the infestation is limited to a few pieces of flooring or trim, discarding the wood and replacing it can help reduce further infestations.

To prevent powderpost beetles from getting inside your home, seal up and cracks or gaps around the building. Also, consider applying a spray to keep powderpost beetles out. Pestle offers a pro-grade DIY solution that gives you a guaranteed pest-free home.